Camp Counselor Leadership Training for Bullying Prevention

The City of Cambridge is serious about bullying prevention. We spent time yesterday training their summer camp counselors on how to prevent bullying in summer camps. We explained and defined bullying and then talked in detail about the different kinds of bullying. Knowing what to look for is a key factor when you are dealing with children.

We believe that being proactive is vital. That’s why we teach the ‘STAMP’ strategy to be proactive against bullying. This exclusive strategy was created solely by ‘Stand Up Now’ bullying prevention organization and it stands alone as a key teaching approach to prevent bullying in children.

We had the youth participate in role-plays so they could experience first-hand how to quell bullying before it starts. Then we moved on to deal with the actual ways to handle bullying situations head-on. We teach 5 Key Concepts to deal with bullying incidents. The participants are now well-equipped to prevent and deal with bullying situations that may come up in camp situations involving children. Thanks participants – and have a great time at summer camp!
(Bruce Langford is a frequent speaker and trainer in the area of bullying prevention. Contact him by email at info ‘at’ standupnow.ca)

Townsend Community Policing Committee Hosts Bullying Event

A seminar on bullying and elder abuse took place today at the Townsend Community Church in Townsend, Ontario. Guest speaker, Bruce Langford of Stand Up Now Productions began the day with a talk about how we can stop bullying behaviours in our schools and communities. A short question and answer period followed the talk, which included a powerpoint presentation and videos.
Jennifer Schooley, was the second speaker of the day. She is from “Name It 2 Change It”, which is a community bullying prevention initiative sponsored by Haldimand Norfolk R.E.A.C.H. Jennifer’s excellent and informative presentation made it clear that she is passionate about youth and bullying prevention.
Ed Lum, from the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse was the last speaker. His talk was a very thoughtful look at the many aspects of elder abuse including physical, psychological, neglect and financial. His presentation included a detailed look at some specific cases of elder abuse.
Thanks to David Welch and the Townsend Community Policing Committee for hosting an excellent seminar!

Safe Schools Concert Assembly for Toronto Elementary Students

Just visited Grenoble Public School near Toronto, where we performed a Safe Schools Concert before a whole gym full of enthusiastic students. We sang about ways to support and encourage each other in every-day situations.
Students learned real life examples about how to encourage others and end up having a safer school. Cyber-safety and the internet was one of the concert themes as well. The song ‘Stay Safe’ explains that computers connected to the internet need to be in a central place in your home, like a kitchen or family room where everyone goes. It also teaches that personal information should not be published on-line. Here are some of the song lyrics:

Stay Safe    ©Written by Bruce Langford

Your address is personal information, stay safe, stay safe;
Your phone number and your school name too.
Do not share personal information.
Not in on-line conversation.
Keep things private, no hesitation,
Stay safe, stay safe, just some friendly advice.

 At home play computer in a central place, stay safe, stay safe;
A kitchen or a family room where everyone goes.
Share what you’re doing with your family.
Work at the screen where all can see.
Then you will have help when a problem comes up,
Stay safe, Stay safe, just some friendly advice.

Remember to work together and do the right things to make your school a safer place.