• Always let your parents know where you are going and when you will be home.

  • Walk with a buddy or a group of friends.

  • Know your neighborhood and safe places to go if you need help.

  • Stay away from cars occupied by strangers. Do not approach a vehicle even if the occupant asks for help or directions.

  • Never flash money, bus passes, cell phones cameras or other possessions. Don’t tell people what you have in your locker.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is when someone intentionally does or says something to hurt another person. This behaviour is often repetitive and deliberate. Bullying can take many forms such as:

  • Physical Bullying – Hitting, slapping, shoving, tripping, spitting, throwing objects, blocking someone’s path; damaging, stealing or withholding someone’s property
  • Verbal Bullying – Insults, teasing, racism, threats, hurtful jokes
  • Social Bullying – Excluding someone from an activity or group, ignoring someone, talking about someone negatively behind their back, spreading rumours
  • Cyberbullying – Using technology such as cell phones and the internet to blackmail, threaten, intimidate, insult, spread rumours, post private/humiliating images or videos

Recognize the Signs

Warning signs that someone is being bullied can include:

  • Withdrawal from activities
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Biological symptoms –pain, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping
  • Signs of depression or anxiety