ATM: Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week

November 20 to 24, 2023 is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week here in Alberta. This is an important topic for each of us. For the entire community. It affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives whether in school, in the community, or in the workplace. 

Bullying is defined in Alberta’s Education Act “as repeated and hostile or demeaning behaviour by an individual in the school community where the behaviour is intended to cause harm, fear or distress to one or more other individuals in the school community, including psychological harm or harm to an individual’s reputation”. Bullying is further defined as taking many forms: physical, verbal or written, social, psychological, and can take place in person or via social media or online. 

Bullying and aggressive behaviours unfortunately continue to exist in our society despite this definition in law; despite community, school and sports associations, and workplace awareness and prevention campaigns; and despite knowing that victims of bullying show negative effects, including at the neurological level. 

In spite of all of this, we continue to try and bring a deeper understanding of the adverse effects of this negative behaviour because it is important. Because being kind, polite and respectful to one another matters, no matter our age. 

Modelling kindness and respect in our everyday lives matters. Be kind and hospitable to others - despite the busyness of our daily lives and the many opportunities for frustration that may arise - because treating others with respect matters. Despite different opinions and perspectives, we are united in our shared humanity, and this too matters.

During this year’s Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, November 20 to 24, and throughout the year, we can make a positive difference in the world around us. Maintaining a focus on being polite, kind, and respectful to those around us, and to ourselves may seem a small thing, but it can make all the difference to our entire community. Kindness matters, it simply does.   

Thank you for reading this week's A Thoughtful Moment with Foothills School Division. 

Yours in learning, 

Theresa Letendre
Board Chair
Trustee Ward 3 Chris Fuzessy
Superintendent of Schools