Anti-Bullying On Agenda As Parents Talk Education In PG Today
Prince George, BC – As vigils were held around the world last night to remember bullying victim Amanda Todd, anti-bullying efforts, body image and sexuality will be among the topics up for discussion as parents gather for Northern Regional Conference of the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils in Prince George today.
While the conference agenda was set before the Port Coquitlam teen’s suicide 10 days ago, Prince George District Parent Advisory Council Chair Sarah Holland, says today’s workshops dealing with issues once again brought to the fore by her death will be well attended. One will go over the provincial government’s ERASE Bullying Strategy announced in June, another on anti-bullying is being facilitated by the BC Teachers Federation, and a third will focus on teen body image and sexuality.
Holland says the circumstances surrounding Amanda’s death prompted a discussion with her daughters about personal and internet safety.
The day-long conference will also feature several sessions geared specifically for executive members of Parent Advisory councils, including: bylaws and treasury 101, applying for gaming grants, and communicating effectively with the larger parent community. The keynote speaker will talk about the shift in education towards personalized learning and the closing speaker will be BC’s new Parliamentary Secretary for Student Support and Parent Engagement, Jane Thornthwaite.
Thornthwaite, the MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour, was appointed to this newly created position in the Clark Government on September 5th and will be making herself available to speak to parents throughout the day. More information is available on the District Parent Advisory Council’s website.
Just over 70 people have registered to attend today’s workshops and presentations, which run from 8:30 until 5pm at the Civic Centre. Holland says there’s still room for about 20 last-minute registrations this morning. Cost is $65.
Comments
Keep in mind that parents should be the first line of education about bullying for their children. It shouldn’t be just a teacher’s responsibility. I have found that a lot of bullying children come from parents who aren’t that good at treating people well.
I don’t think this implies that teaching anti-bullying messages is the responsibility of teachers, but it is quite likely that the more kids hear this message from different sources, the more it’s likely to take hold.
Unfortunately, you’re right though: many parents use bullying to get what they want from others and when kids see this strategy work, they will emulate it. But when parents fail to instill a sense of decency in their children, then the task falls to teachers, given the amount of contact they have as well as the level of influence.
Unfortunate, but there you have it – if not parents, then teachers, if not teachers, then who?
What nonsense. Kids spend most of their day in a structured pecking order dictated by their place in a kids world. A world where might is right and bullying exists.
From sun-up to sundown a parents involvement in junior’s day to day life is so minimal as to render it inconsequential. When your child is at daycare or school for most of their awake lives, it will be the teachers that have any chance of socializing them properly, and if they are too busy or inept? Too bad.
Styxx…I find your view barbaric and offensive.
I wonder what you would do if one of your children or grandchildren ended up like Amanda Todd…….”Too bad”?
NOT!!!
It certainly is apparent that you are inconsequential in mentoring your offspring, however, Its people like you that need to take responsibility for your own children’s actions…you are the problem!!!!
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