The most effective tool in the fight against bullying is a society value that trumpets the worth and capability of all of our citizens.
This value is grown and modelled first in the home, then school, community, workplace and society as a whole.
Values are conveyed through word and action.
Children learn from the behaviour of parents but today they are also strongly influenced by what happens “out there.”
As Canadian adults, in our daily lives, we can live the model of tolerance and understanding.
This is leadership.
Our prime minister recently modelled the emotion of sadness felt by our nation over the death of Rehtaeh Parsons.
His proposal followed: create better laws to punish those who bully.
Personally, I would have been happier if Stephen Harper had directed his party to abandon the attack ads and disparaging letters designed to bully his opponents and make a public announcement denouncing this practice.
What an opportunity to offer leadership supporting the myriad of people, families, groups and institutions who are doing their best to champion the cause against bullying.
And if I should soon receive a letter from Red Deer MP Earl Dreeshen offering Conservative sage advice on Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, it will be sent back in the mail — unopened, addressed only as: Return to Sender.
Glenn Allen
Red Deer