Registration Open for Anti-Bullying Workshops
Students, families and others who have signed up to learn how to reduce bullying, build relationships and enjoy the province's anti-bullying leadership conference can now register for workshops.
Marilyn More, the Minister for the Action Team on Sexual Violence and Bullying, today, July 30, announced an exciting lineup of workshops and entertainment for Speak Up!, which will be held Aug. 16-17 in Halifax.
"I was pleased, but not surprised, when registration passed 450 last week and had to be closed, because we have such an exceptional lineup of talent coming to present and entertain participants," said Ms. More. "I think the students, families, educators and community members coming from across the province will be thrilled. The session will provide opportunities for learning and developing the roots for real change in how we all deal with the troubling and complex issues of bullying and sexual abuse."
Canadian musician David Myles will headline Friday evening's entertainment. Mr. Myles received a Juno award this year for Rap Recording of the Year and has numerous Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Awards.
"I am so glad to be a part of this conference, particularly with so many young people involved," said Mr. Myles. "Bullying is a serious problem and I'm really looking forward to hearing their perspective. It'll be a great conference."
Participants can choose six workshops from more than 35 options over the two-day conference. Examples include: Defeat Your Beast - When Anxiety is your Bully, taught by 12-year-old Evan Hennigar and his mom Tina; and Hyper-sexualization of Children and Youth: A Workshop for Educators, taught by Lisa Tobin, co-ordinator, sexual health public health division, Department of Health and Wellness.
"I am so gratified to be presenting PREVNet's Train the Trainer workshop at the Speak Up! conference," said Joanne Cummings, knowledge mobilization director, PREVNet. "This training will allow community members and educators to take back their learnings to their groups and communities, to educate leaders on how to create safe spaces for youth. This whole event is going to be such a great opportunity for Nova Scotians of all ages."
In June, the province announced the keynote speaker would be Parry Aftab, one of the leading experts on cyber-crime, Internet privacy and cyber-abuse issues. Ms. Aftab is an author, lawyer and advisor to MTV, Disney, Microsoft, Facebook and others. She heads the world's largest cybersafety charity, WiredSafety, and created StopCyberbullying.org, the most popular cyberbullying prevention website.
"Parents, guardians and educators want to know how they can be proactive and effective in protecting children from bullying and other harm," said Ms. More. "This conference is one wonderful tool to help arm people with the best information and support to address this serious and violent issue."
Even though registration is closed, people who are invited to put their name on a waiting list at href="http://antibullying.novascotia.ca/speakupconference or calling, 902-422-1886 or toll free, 1-877-731-1333.