Const. Marc-Andre Gagnon from the Edmonton Police Service recently visited Nebula Academy to give a presentation on bullying and cyberbullying. The presentation was an informative and eye-opening experience for students and faculty alike.
Bullying is a serious issue that can have lasting effects on the mental health and well-being of those who experience it. Cyberbullying, which is a relatively new form of bullying that occurs online, has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of social media and technology. Const. Gagnon’s presentation touched on both forms of bullying and emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing it.
The presentation began with an introduction to what bullying is and the various forms it can take. Const. Gagnon discussed the different types of bullying, such as physical, verbal, and social bullying, and provided examples of each. He also spoke about cyberbullying and the ways in which it can occur through social media, text messages, and other forms of online communication.
One of the most impactful aspects of the presentation was when Const. Gagnon talked about the importance of bystander intervention and how students can make a difference by standing up to bullies and supporting those who are being bullied. He encouraged students to speak out and report incidents of bullying and cyberbullying to someone they trust, such as a teacher, parent, or other authority figure.
When discussing cyberbullying, Const. Gagnon explained how it can take many forms, such as posting hurtful comments or messages online, sharing embarrassing pictures or videos without someone’s consent, or spreading rumors and gossip through social media. He highlighted that cyberbullying can be just as harmful, if not more so, than traditional bullying, as it can be carried out anonymously and can reach a wider audience, potentially causing more significant harm.
Const. Gagnon provided practical tips for staying safe online and avoiding cyberbullying, such as being cautious about what information you share online, setting privacy settings on social media accounts, and avoiding engaging with individuals who are trying to provoke or harass you.
The presentation ended with a Q&A session where students had the opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences with bullying. The discussion was insightful and showed that many students had firsthand experience with bullying, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and having open discussions about the issue.
The presentation on bullying and cyberbullying was a powerful and educational experience for everyone at Nebula Academy. It provided students with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize and address bullying, and emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
