For youth and students, being caught in a cycle of bullying can result in deep negative impacts. Cheryl Cresine, manager of Youth Services with the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie (BGCA), said the simple fact that bullying happens makes it an important topic to discuss.
“Sometimes, we hope that it’s not happening and that our kids aren’t being bullied at school, or they’re not bullying each other,” she said. “The truth is, it’s happening and it is affecting our youth.”
According to Cresine, bullying prevents students from thriving and living up to their potential, with negative impacts including lowered self-value and a lack of confidence. Additionally, bullying can turn school into an unsafe experience for youth, affecting their education. Cresine said bullying can also cause mental health issues, like depression or anxiety.
“We’ve seen in the media that suicide rates are up due to bullying, especially with our LGBTQ youth [and]indigenous youth,” she said.
To combat bullying, Cresine said, it’s imperative to establish safe communication between a victim and a trusted adult.
“If it’s happening to you, tell somebody,” she said. “If you’re at school, talk to a teacher that you trust or a guidance counsellor.”
Cresine said in her experience, it is also helpful to instill confidence and self-esteem in students who are being bullied, and remind them there is life after high school.
Cresine added students should endeavour to address bullying when they see it happening around them.
“If it’s happening in your friend group, don’t be a bystander,” she said. “Talk to them. Let that kid that’s being bullied know that you’re there and be a support.”
For adults, Cresine emphasized listening in a way that communicates care to youth who confide they are being bullied.
“It’s having that open communication,” she said. “It’s saying, ‘I’m here, I’m listening and you’re safe, so what can I do to help you?’”
A “toughen up” approach usually doesn’t work, added Cresine.
“Why should our kids need to toughen up?” she said. “Everybody has the right to be treated kindly and with respect.”
Additionally, Cresine said, adults can take advantage of the many resources available in Airdrie from organizations like BGCA and Community Links. For more information, visit airdrie.bgccan.com or nrvcl.ab.ca
