Breaking the Silence: Confronting the Shadows of Schoolyard Bullies in Metro Vancouver

Bullying in Vancouver schools is a significant concern as it not only jeopardizes the emotional well-being of students but also undermines the inclusive and safe learning environment essential for academic success. Addressing this civic issue requires collaborative efforts from educators, parents, and policymakers to implement effective anti-bullying measures and promote a culture of respect and empathy in schools.

This seminar was held at the North Vancouver Community Center in collaboration with the non-profit organization Canadian Iranian Foundation, this program featured guest speakers Poran Poregbal and Ali Totian. The engaging session involved students participating in role-playing exercises and receiving examples of school bullying. The Fahangian Educators Associations and parents actively participated in this seminar as well, fostering a collective effort to address and combat the issue of bullying in schools.

Nassreen Filsoof, the founder of the Canadian Iranian Foundation, inaugurated the session with an insightful introduction, emphasizing the pressing issue of school bullying and the crucial role of education in addressing it. Board member Majid Moshiri then introduced guest speakers Poran Poregbal and Ali Totian.

Ali underscored the importance of educating both parents and students, particularly newcomers, about bullying in schools. He illustrated the impact of bullying, prompting the audience to reflect on a scenario where a child, hesitant to eat at home, reveals being bullied at school.

Then Ali talked about 'Stop bullying in School' and explained it in a chart. He gave an example that prompted the audience to share their feelings. A scenario was presented where a child wasn't eating at home, and his parents asked why. The child then disclosed an incident of bullying at school. Ali asked the audience, 'What would you do if your child came to you and shared this story?' One audience member responded, saying, 'He will go and talk to the principal at school or a teacher.'"

Poran delved into the emotional aspect, highlighting that children may not always verbally express their experiences but manifest them through emotions, potentially leading to long-term trauma. Poran quoted the differentiated between verbal, mental, and physical bullying, emphasizing the need for cultural respect in our multicultural society. she explored the origins of bullying, noting that it can stem from family dynamics, and discussed the contemporary challenge of cyberbullying, which significantly affects children on social media today.

To illustrate the dynamics of bullying, Ali invited young students Jerry, Criss, and Andrew to demonstrate a bullying scenario in English. During the seminar, young students Jerry, Andrew, and Criss actively participated by engaging in role-playing scenarios to demonstrate various acts of bullying. In one scenario, Jerry played the role of the victim, experiencing bullying from Andrew and Criss. This demonstration aimed to provide a tangible illustration of the dynamics of bullying in a school setting. Ali Totian guided the audience through these enactments, offering insights on how parents can work with their children to prevent and address instances of bullying. The role-playing sessions added a practical dimension to the seminar, enhancing the understanding of the audience and emphasizing the importance of proactive intervention in bullying situations.

Poran Poregbal likely provided concise advice to parents, emphasizing open communication with their children, recognizing signs of bullying, promoting empathy, actively engaging with schools to create a positive culture, addressing cyberbullying, teaching conflict resolution skills, and seeking professional support if needed. Her guidance aimed to empower parents to foster a supportive and empathetic environment for their children.

The seminar shed light on the multifaceted nature of bullying and its profound effects on children. By emphasizing the role of education, cultural awareness, and family dynamics, the speakers provided valuable insights into addressing and preventing bullying. The inclusion of real-life scenarios and interactive elements made the session engaging and actionable. In conclusion, the event underscored the urgency of collaborative efforts among educators, parents, and the community to foster empathy, respect, and a safe atmosphere for students in schools.

Non-profit organizations Canadian Iranian Foundation:

Nassreen Filsoof 
Majid Moshiri 

Guest:

Ali Totian School teacher

Poran Poregbal MA, RSW, RCC Doctoral Candidate in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Students participate: 

Jerry
Andrew 
Criss

Journalist: Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society