English suggests ways
to deal with summer bullying
Wednesday July 17, 2002 Linda Viscardis
During the summer, resources that have addressed the issue of bullying during the school year dry up. School is out, kids are no longer under the supervision of their teachers, and, with time on their hands, bullies may go looking for children to victimize.

The YWCA's Lesley English addresses the bullying issue with elementary school students in Haliburton throughout the school year, but during the summer her work stops. That leaves parents and the community to pick up the pieces, she says. What should parents do during the summer? Lesley says that increased awareness of the issue of bullying, and good old-fashioned discussion is a good place to start.

"Parents can educate themselves about the nature of the problem," says Lesley. "Try to understand where it is coming from, what the underlying issue is. Understand that it is not solely the role of the school to address this, that you need to teach values. And instead of just talking about it, ask what you can do. So many agencies have volunteer positions where you can get involved."

After parents have informed themselves, nothing beats sitting down and talking with their kids, says Lesley. "Ask your kids, 'If you see someone bullying someone else, do you know what to do? Or, if someone tries to bully you, do you know what to do? Do you know that by walking away you remove the bully's audience; you take away the bully's power?' Ask them, 'Have you seen this happen? Do you know what to do? What should you do?'"

Another option for parents is to ensure their children's summer vacation is well structured. When the summer is structured, there may be less time for the issue of bullying to raise its head. Summer camps may provide the kind of structure that will support a bully in altering his or her behaviour, and also support the potential victim in learning how to respond to bullying.

"In summer camps, counsellors are able to put in place activities around conflict resolution and self-esteem, and lots of social skills," says Lesley. "All revolving around respect, for yourself and others that are around you. And empathy. Kids often lack the ability to put themselves in someone else's shoes. Camp counsellors have the time to address these things."

To get support or to inquire about what resources are available in the Haliburton community, contact Family Services of Haliburton at 705-457-5345. Referrals will be made to the appropriate party.

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