Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada recently released information from a national survey on bullying.
The Harris/Decima survey, commissioned by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, has revealed the extent to which bullying has affected Canadians. One half of all Canadian adults surveyed revealed they had been bullied as a child or teenager, and 30 per cent revealed they think the abuse they suffered had a lasting harmful effect. Nearly 90 per cent of adults surveyed believed bullying poses a serious threat to the long-term well-being of children and teenagers.
The survey also revealed the extent to which most Canadians supported programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters and believed in their effectiveness for preventing bullying. Nearly all survey participants, or 95 per cent, believed people have a responsibility to take action to stop bullies, and 62 per cent of those who were bullied believe they would have benefitted from having a volunteer adult mentor to help them cope. Eighty-seven per cent of those surveyed also agreed action to reduce bullying strengthens communities over time.
Summarizing the survey results, Bruce MacDonald, president of BBBSC stated "Canadians universally understand that the friendship and guidance of a mentor is one of the most effective ways to prevent abusive behaviours and help those who have been abused. By giving children and teenagers the guidance they need to become the positive and caring individuals they are capable of being, we can steer them to a positive path in life."
The survey was commissioned by BBBSC in advance of their annual "Bowl for Kids Sake" event, which takes place March 31 and is a major fundraiser for the organization. A large proportion of the local BBBS's funds come from the event.
For more information on Bowl For Kids' Sake, contact Valerie Montgomery-Bull, program co-ordinator of BBBS of the Battlefords, at 445-7845 or at [email protected].
