Province draws attention to prevention and help line for awareness week

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 19, 2024.

This week the province is highlighting its 24-hour bullying help and promoting prevention during Bully Awareness Week in Alberta.

Throughout the week prevention resources will be shared over social media, with the hashtag #WhereToTurn and #BullyingAwarenessWeek, including how to access Alberta’s Bullying Helpline by phone or online via chat.

“Bullying Awareness Week serves as a reminder of how important it is for all of us to learn how to recognize and prevent bullying in all its forms,” said Searle Turton, minister of children and family services.

The province is encouraging discussions surrounding bullying with friends, family and coworkers, and asking residents to consider joining its mentorship program.

“Together we can all stand against bullying and let those around us know that there are people and resources available to help so we can ensure our communities are safer for everyone,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, minister of education. “This week, I encourage everyone to raise awareness that help is always available.”

The provincial bullying hotline is always open by calling or texting 310-1818, or online chat can also be accessed 24 hours a day from trained counsellors at alberta.ca/bullying-find-supports.

Access to more than a dozen publications on bullying prevention, including cyberbullying, can also be found on the province’s website.

“Bullying has no place in our province. Everyone deserves to feel safe no matter where they are, whether that’s at home, in our schools, at work or online,” said Nicolaides.

The province also offers a 24-hour hotline for mental health advice at 1-800-303-2642.