To read part 1, click here.
Cendrine Marrouat: Have you noticed differences in the way Canadian and American schools handle the issue of bullying?
Alexandra Penn: Still too many schools are loathe to admit they have a bullying problem. We know that every school has one.
It’s difficult to paint the picture using a broad brush, but overall schools in the U.S.are more forthcoming with bullying issues and statistics. I should mention that in the U.S. today, 1 out of 3 children are bullied.
CM: You are set to speak on bullying during the 2011 BC School Counsellors Association conference. Would you tell us a little more about it?
AP: I’m deeply honoured to be able to address this wonderful group of professionals. We’ll be covering bullying from A to Z, telling stories and sharing experiences. I will also introduce them to a new program that Champions Against bullying is developing with Web Wise Kids and Carnegie Mellon called Social Starts ©. It’s about inspiring kindness, respect and confidence resulting in creating peaceful classrooms, building successful learners and reducing aggressive behaviour.
CM: In your opinion, what else could be done to bring awareness to the issues of bullying and youth violence?
AP: I think that most people are aware that bullying exists. We need our society to stop turning a blind eye and a deaf ear, and fathom the intensity, enormity and widespread ramifications of bullying. In other words, to stop being bystanders!
Here’s a bone-chiller! Children who are characterized as bullies in grades 6 through 9, go on to have at least one criminal conviction by 24 years of age, if there is no intervention.
Information is a powerful tool and so is influence. More people need to get on board and donate funds so that kids who are at-risk and disadvantaged can have access to the programs and resources that organizations like us and others can continue to develop and deliver.
CM: Where can people find more information on Champions Against Bullying?
AP: Please visit our website, write to us at info@championsagainstbullying.com, or call us in Canada (778.887.4227) or in the U.S. (310.993.8007).
CM: Any last words?
AP: Learning is Impaired when children are scared ©.
It’s up to us to decide how we want our children – our future leaders to evolve. When kids are constantly scared and looking behind them they cannot learn. Together we can widen every child’s circle of opportunity and enhance their quality of life today, for tomorrow.
Thanks again, Cendrine.
End of the interview.
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Cendrine Marrouat may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com or http://about.cendrinemarrouat.com.
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