Every now and then the issue of bullying rears it’s head in such an awful way that the whole world takes notice. Such was certainly the case with the sad death of Port Coquitlam teen Amanda Todd last October.
But even after attention fades, the issue is still there. Bullying is an ongoing problem, and dealing with it still a major issue for those who work with young people, and young people themselves.
Jodie Parker, a RespectED trainer with the Canadian Red Cross is bringing a bullying prevention workshop to Kimberley on February 16, 2013. The six hour workshop will be held at the Kimberley Conference Centre from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“For too long, bullying has been dismissed as a normal, harmless part of growing up,” said Parker. “But something that causes long-term misery and deeply scars so many lives cannot be dismissed as just ‘kid stuff’. The solution isn’t simple but there are ways to help young people make better choices and stop the cruelty and the suffering.”
This particular Beyond the Hurt workshop is aimed at those who work with youth, whether a parent, a coach or an adult who works with youth through their profession.
“This workshop will help you to better understand the issues behind bullying and learn how to develop and implement successful prevention strategies,” Parker said.
The workshop is sponsored by the City of Kimberley and the Columbia Basin Trust. There are only 20 seats available so if you would like to participate, register early by contacting Parker at jodieparker22@hotmail.com