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Take a stand against bullying

No one likes a bully. Being teased, called names or, even worse, being physically assaulted is just wrong. Imagine if you are a child or a teen and are faced with the prospect of going to school every day and being bullied by other children.

No one likes a bully. Being teased, called names or, even worse, being physically assaulted is just wrong.

Imagine if you are a child or a teen and are faced with the prospect of going to school every day and being bullied by other children. It can't be a good feeling.

A recent survey, commissioned by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, backs up these bullying statistics. The survey reveals that the extent of bullying and its harmful effects on children and teens is staggering in this country.

Of the Canadian adults polled, half said they were bullied as a child or a teen, and nearly a third (30 per cent) of them think the abuse they suffered caused lasting harm.

The national poll also examined attitudes about volunteer adult mentors and the role they play in turning bullies away from abusive behaviour, helping victims regain their confidence and self-esteem, and ensuring kids intervene when they witness acts of bullying.

Some of the key findings included: 95 per cent of adults surveyed believe people have a responsibility to take action to reduce bullying, 85 per cent feel that providing children and teenagers who abuse others with a volunteer mentor is an effective way to reduce bullying, 89 per cent think bullies pose a serious threat to the long-term well-being of children and teenagers, 62 per cent of those who were bullied as children or teens believe they would have benefited from having a volunteer adult mentor, and 87 per cent of those surveyed agree that action to reduce bullying strengthens communities over time.

Based on the key findings, the Harris/Decima survey shows that the frequency of bullying is widespread and that Canadians are concerned about bullying and are ready to act to bring bullying to an end.

The survey was conducted in an effort to spread an anti-bullying message.

Until the end of February, Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Canada will continue to bring home the message that bullying is wrong and that it can have lasting and hurtful effects in our communities.

Here on the Sunshine Coast, the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization provides a successful in-school mentoring program and runs other successful programs that connect children and teens with positive adult role models. These role models can play a lasting role in a child's or teen's life by teaching them the importance of giving and giving back, staying in school and having respect for family peers and the community as a whole.

We can all make a difference. Reach out and support organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters. Take a stand against bullying.