News release

Province Hosts Leadership Conference to Help End Bullying

Premier's Office

Youth, parents, teachers, community organizations, and others will learn how they can work together to end bullying in their communities at a leadership and anti-bullying conference held by the province this summer.

"I'm pleased to see that the province is following through on an annual conference dealing with the important and pressing issues of bullying and cyberbullying, and doing it in a way that embraces a wide range of stakeholders," said Wayne MacKay, chair, Nova Scotia Task Force on Bullying and Cyberbullying. "The clear youth focus and involvement will result in a more informed and engaging learning environment for delegates of all ages."

Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Marilyn More announced today, May 9, that the conference, titled Speak Up: Empowering Youth, Parents and Educators to Address Bullying, will be held August 15-17 at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.

"Nova Scotians of all ages want to know what they can do to create safer communities for our province's children and youth," said Ms. More. "Through this conference, we will create a place where people can learn, share experiences and ideas, and leave feeling empowered to address bullying in their communities."

The province's anti-bullying co-ordinator will work with the Youth Advisory Council, school boards, teachers, school advisory councils, home and school organizations, Human Rights Commission, Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Disabled Persons Commission, and experts on youth mental health and bullying and cyberbullying to determine session topics.

Some topics being considered include leading positive change in communities, recognizing and dealing with bullying for parents, social media use and technology, legal issues, teen mental health, and gender and orientation issues.

"Students have a unique understanding of bullying issues so I'm very pleased that the voices of young people will be brought forward through planning and participation in the conference," said Katelynn Gough, chair, Nova Scotia Youth Advisory Council. "The conference will help people of all ages share a common understanding of bullying issues, and raise awareness of how we can all become part of the solution."

The conference will be open to junior and senior high school students, parents and guardians, recent high school graduates, educators and community organizations. Separate sessions will be held for junior high students, senior high students, and adults, with relevant topics targeted to age groups and audiences.

Cultural and artistic components will also be included in the conference, showcasing the work of young Nova Scotians.

More details on registration, speakers, and sessions will be available in June.