Cyberbullying Task Force - Update

Support for the Cyberbullying Task Force has been so positive that it will take longer than expected to process all the feedback and recommendations from Nova Scotians.




The task force will have until the end of February to deliver its report and recommendations to help with the problem of cyberbullying.



"I have been very impressed with the high level of public interest and the willingness of many parts of our community to partner in finding better responses to the growing problems of bullying and cyberbullying," said Wayne MacKay, Cyberbullying Task Force chair. "Forging these partnerships takes time but is well worth the effort."



Along with presentations from experts in the fields of bullying and cyberbullying, the task force received more than 5,000 responses to the online survey and conducted 35 focus groups involving about 1,000 students from across the province. The chair also had several speaking engagements on the topic, including meetings with the public.



"Since the task force began, the response from Nova Scotians has been tremendous," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "Our partners recognized from the onset that the original timeline was ambitious, and I acknowledge the need for more time to process the enormous amount of input, especially from students."



To get a better picture of the scope and prevalence of the problem, and to find out what students think are possible solutions, the task force increased the number of student focus groups from eight to 35.



The Cyberbullying Task Force and Working Group are analyzing the information collected from the expert presentations, focus groups and online survey for use in the overall report.



For more information, visit cyberbullying.novascotia.ca

How to know if someone you love is being Bullied!

When we are the victims of bullying, there are often warning signs that can indicate to you that we are being victimized. Some common signs of bullying include:




Not wanting to go to school or participate in extra-curricular activities

Anxious, fearful and over-reactive behaviour

Exhibits low self-esteem and makes negative comments about him/herself

Headaches and stomach aches

Lower interest and performance in school

Loses things, needs money, reports being hungry after school

Injuries, bruising, damaged clothing, broken things

Unhappy, irritable, little interest in activities

Trouble sleeping, nightmares, bedwetting

Expresses threats to hurt himself/herself or others

 
More information here from the RCMP....
 
http://deal.org/parents/bullying/
 

Minister's Task Force On Cyberbullying Launches Survey

Photo from Google Images

Okay, here it is, the survey. It takes a few minutes and you have the opportunity at the end to write some of your thoughts and suggestions down for the Task Force to see. Step up! Take the Survey! This is as much a Community issue as it is a Youth Issue.

Here is the Press Release:

The province is inviting Nova Scotians to share their ideas and experiences on cyberbullying through a new survey and website, launched today, June 10.

"We are dealing with a very serious issue and we want to hear from Nova Scotians about the impacts cyberbullying has on their lives," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "Together, we can help prevent this form of harassment."


The Cyberbullying Task Force and working group will use the information from the survey to help develop recommendations for the Minister of Education.


Along with the survey, the website will provide Nova Scotians with contact information and links to partnering organizations and Kids Help Phone.


"I have already heard from many Nova Scotians who are concerned about cyberbullying and offering to help in some way," said Wayne MacKay, Cyberbullying Task Force chair. "This website will offer a way for people to connect and share their insights and ideas about reducing the problem."


Last April, Ms. Jennex announced a task force to address the issue of cyberbullying. She requested a report by the end of the year.


The survey is available at http://cyberbullying.novascotia.ca/survey .


To learn more about the Minister's Task Force on Cyberbullying, visit http://cyberbullying.novascotia.ca .