Sticks and Stones: A&FRC holds Anti-Bullying Conference

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amber Corcoran
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Members of Team Barksdale recently attended an anti-bullying conference held by the Airman and Family Readiness Center Aug. 22, at the Chapel 2 annex.

Bossier and Caddo Parish school officials and sheriff's deputies were on hand to answer any questions and concerns the base populace might have in regards to bullying in schools.

Each of the guest speakers stressed the importance of acknowledging all bullying with their children and in schools.

"Bullying is a problem in all schools, whether people choose to see it or not," said Cpl. George Moore, D.A.R.E. program coordinator with Caddo Parish Sheriff's Department. "In today's society, we are learning just how badly the effects of bullying are. We have zero tolerance policies set in place against bullying, but if witnesses, no matter children, teachers or parents, do not speak up, how can we combat this?"

Capt. Danny Dison, Bossier Parish Schools Director of Security, added that what separates the districts is 200 yards of the Red River; when one side of river is affected, so is the other. Both Caddo and Bossier Parishes are working together to combat bullying in its schools.

"Lately, it's not just name-calling or the pushing and shoving that is as common," said Moore. "It's bullying over social media outlets. With that, everyone needs to become involved. You're either a part of the solution or apart of the problem."

During the conference, concerned attendees asked various questions about how to identify and report bullying.

"Bullying is verbal, social and physical," said Lillian Holley, Behavior Interventionist Security with Bossier Parish Schools. "It's disability harassment, social rejection and hazing. Anything negative that sets apart one student from another, ostracizing them for being different and getting others to follow suit. Bullying has many forms but there isn't one profile that fits a bully."

Holley quoted a well-known childhood rhyme, "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me."

She expressed words do indeed wound and she could remember things her childhood teachers and peers said to her, years later.

The main message through the duration of the conference was speaking up and for parents to create a comfortable environment that children would want to openly talk about what they've witnessed, or if they have been bullied.

Pamphlets and information were passed out to attendees, along with a guide directed toward children to teach them more about bullying. It identified who could be a bully, what to do if witnessing someone bullying/being bullied, cyber-bulling and more.

The final quote of the children's guide on bullying was, "It isn't considered snitching or ratting if you tell on a bully. If you or someone you know is being bullied, tell a trusted adult who can help even if others may think it's not cool."

For more information on combating bullying, visit www.stopbullying.gov.