Seven Persons School students learn about bullying

The Morris Brothers speak with students last month about bullying and all things surrounding the issue.

By Mo Cranker

Alberta Newspaper Group

Students at Seven Persons School were given presentations on bullying last month thanks to Forty Mile Family and Community Support Services.
The group travelled to a number of schools in the county, including Seven Persons to speak about bullying and everything that goes along with the issue.
“We have the kids wear pink and we talk about kindness — we talk about what it means for kids to stand up when they see a bully,” said Forty Mile Regional FCSS early childhood development co-ordinator Terri-Lynn Arnal. “This is something we do every year during November at a number of schools and we thought we’d try it at Seven Persons as well.”
During the week of presentations Arnal says the group spoke with more than 600 students and teachers. She says bullying is still very much an issue in schools.
“Bully is still a problem for kids,” she said. “There’s always going to be bullying issues and I think presentations like this can be really impactful on kids on how to pot a bully and what to do in different situations.”
Seven Persons FCSS brought in presenters, The Morris Brothers, from California with the hopes of a different voice resonating with the students.
“Bullying can look a lot different depending on how old the students are,” she said. “Something like not letting someone be a part of your play group can be a way of bullying for younger kids. As you get older it can be physical bullying or verbal.
“The Morris Brothers were really great.”
The presentation also touched on how to spot a bully and how to go about reporting one to a teacher or authority figure.
Arnal says it is important to speak on bullying every year.
“This message needs to be relayed every school year to students,” she said. “We all know that growing up is difficult and as you get older, situations change.
“Bringing awareness to bullying is always important.”

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