Stand-Up Day: Stand Up To Bullying

The vision of a world without conflict seems far-fetched and unrealistic, but around the world, youth are standing up to make this vision a reality.

November 18 marks Stand-Up Day, an anti-bullying day created by two Canadian youth who are passionate about spreading the word that bullying is wrong.

And, they’re not alone – 350 million children around the world suffer violence in schools each year and live in fear of going to school because of bullying, sexual violence and physical punishment.

Did you know that 44 per cent of Canadian youth have been bullied in school?

That’s a staggering number.  A recent survey commissioned by Plan Canada found that more girls (45 per cent) than boys (43 per cent) said they’ve been bullied.

British Columbia came in at the highest at 53 per cent, followed closely by Ontario, 50 per cent, while in Quebec that number is 26 per cent.

“Most bullies act in an inappropriate manner because they are not confident in themselves, and by quietly possessing self-confidence, youth can really dispel most bullying,” says Bryn, a Because I am a Girl Club Ambassador.

Thankfully, there are several programs to help create awareness and reduce bullying.

One way Plan Canada hopes to reduce bullying against children is through its Because I am a Girl Clubs in middle and high schools across Canada. These Girl Clubs aim to empower girls to support one another and stand up for the rights of girls in Canada and around the world. Activity ideas and resources on certain themes, such as self-esteem and conflict resolution, are provided through the club.

“I’ve always been a good student, and whenever other kids tease me about being smart, my mother would remind me in a comical way that ‘nerds rule the world,’” said Bryn.

Parents can help by raising their children to have a high self-esteem.  On the other hand, parents must also encourage their children to respect other people’s rights and other children, so that they do not grow up to be the bully.

Plan’s Learn Without Fear campaign is setting out to reduce violence against children in schools.  By changing behaviour and legislation, and engaging children, teachers, families and community members, as well as governments, it hopes that schools across the globe will be safe places for every child.

Meanwhile, schools can do more to educate and be educated about bullying.

“It’s definitely important that teachers are aware of the dynamic in the classroom. Also, children and youth learn best by experience. Reading in a textbook that bullying will not be tolerated does not convey the message as strongly as seeing that something is being done about the bully’s behaviour. A classroom plagued with bullying is not an enjoyable environment, even for the bystanders.”

For more information, visit http://www.standupday.com and http://plancanada.ca 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy