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he importance _ of I learning in a safe and secure _ environment free of schoolyard bullying was reinforced again last week with the launch of a new pilot project aimed to make Waterloo Region a community without bullyâ€" ing for our children. Schoolyard bullying target _ of regional pilot project @ Dr. Hanif Kassam, the medical officer of health for Waterloo Region, and repreâ€" sentatives of both local school boards signed a letter of understanding that they would work together to reduce the incidence of bulâ€" lying among schoolâ€"aged children in the area. Four schools in the region, including Cedarbrae public school in Waterloo, have been chosen for a threeâ€"year project that will bring together school counâ€" cils, _ parents, _ students, teachers, administrators and public health officials in a multiâ€"strategy approach to tackle the problem. "We‘re trying to make a change in the school enviâ€" ronment, taking it towards a violenceâ€"free, more positive environment for the chilâ€" dren," said Tori Fitton, a public health nurse helping coâ€"ordinate the program. "We‘re never going to get rid of the issue of bullying â€" it will always be there. But it‘s about our approach to the problem." And the problem is wideâ€" spread, according to the research done on bullying, with more than 15 per cent of children reporting that they have been victims of bullying behaviour in a recent survey. More than six per cent of the children surâ€" veyed also admitted to bulâ€" lying other children more than once or twice. That‘s why the Canadian Public Health Association, the Ontario Public Health Association and the American â€" Public Health Association have all declared violence in general, and bullying in particular, as a priority health issue Public health advocates know from their research and experience that bullying in schools has serious longâ€" term health consequences for victims, bystanders and even the bullies involved in the abuse Q abhl e?'-('-]l: M By Bos VrBanac Chronicle Staff â€" FACTORY SHOWROOM 21 Allen St. W. 585â€"1000 n Thurs & Fn 9 8. Sar I0â€"4 se ht . in Uptown Waterloo _ Te m m s 0 0 "Wo‘re more than just tables and chairs!" Victims of bullying may suffer from peer rejection and may develop academic difficulties because of their fear of attending school and running into their tormenâ€" tor. Over an extended period of time, victims often experiâ€" ence severe health problems including depression, disorâ€" dered eating, and suicidal ideation. Bullies also can‘t escape the longâ€"term effects of their behaviour if it continues to go uncorrected. If the antisocial behavâ€" iour continues, they may experience problems with criminal behaviour, child and spousal abuse, subâ€" stance abuse, psychiatric disorders, and poor occupaâ€" tional and marital adjustâ€" ment as adults. Even just witnessing the behaviour can have an adverse effect on children later in life. When bullying behaviour continues without conseâ€" quences, children become more tolerant of violence in general. _ They themselves engage in the behaviour, imitating Fine Home Furnisin * Livingroom Suites * Bedroom Suites * Kitchen & Dining Sets * Chairs * Office Furniture * Lamps * Bar & Kitchen Counter Stools * Home Accents what they see to prevent becoming a victim themâ€" selves. This acceptance of vioâ€" lence and intolerance for others breeds homophobic, racist and sexist behaviour. The new approach put forward _ by the health department and its partners looks at dealing with all the children whether they are victims, bullies or bystanders, to make sure that there are repercussions for the behaviour and that something constructive is done to prevent it from hapâ€" pening again. To do that, schools will try to make it conducive for children to come forward with their concerns. The adults in charge will in turn take every concern seriously. â€" â€" "It will be something that is addressed by the school, the administration of the school, the teachers and the staff, along with the school council," said Fitton. "It will also involve the parents of the bully, victim and bystanders. "It‘s a very intensive approach to the problem." The real key to the whole program is to bring the behaviour out from the shadows of the schoolyard, washroom or classroom into a forum where it can be addressed. "We‘re bringing it out into the open," said Fitton. "The schools have developed rules that will specifically deal with bullies. They are saying that it is not acceptâ€" able and not allowed, and we will not tolerate it. "Then we‘re going to do something about it so there will _ be â€" consequences, including positive steps so that they include all the chilâ€" dren _ involved â€" including bystanders, victims and bulâ€" lies themselves." Reâ€"Elect Andrew Telegdi As Member of Parliament for Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo Andrew Telegdi has worked hard to promote your interests and taken principled positions on issues. If reâ€"elected he will continue to defend a strong and united Canada and fight for a just society. To learn more about Andrew Telegdi‘s views, Liberal poliâ€" cies or if you would like to help in the campaign, please contact us at: comn o _ PWR fherq] 42 King St. South e Campaign Office 42 King St. South Waterloo, N2J 1N8 Eâ€"Mail: Website Phone Making a Difference for YOU and CANADA (319) 725â€"3337 (519) 725â€"4997 _ _ andrew @kw.igs.net www.telegdi.org