School/Youth Violence

By the end of HRP's session on violence, participants should have a better understanding of what youth violence is and the effects it has on people. They will also learn what to do if they are bullied and where to go for help. This lesson is taught Grade 7 students.

Dating Violence

This session is offered to all grades in Junior High. By the end of this session, participants should be aware of what a healthy relationship is and what signs indicate an unhealthy relationship. They will also be able to recognize abuse and the different types of abuse. Finally, they will have a knowledge of what they can do to help.

DEFY Level III

This is a 45 minute interactive program offered to Grade 8 students. It is designed to give students a better understanding of issues surrounding the top three drugs used by teens. The presentation will touch upon topics such as: What is a drug, effects of alcohol, Marijuana, Ritalin, and Valium as well as why some people choose drugs. Upon completion of this session participants should:

• Know the potential impact and effects of alcohol, marijuana and pills on their mind and body
• Develop strategies pertaining to refusing to use drugs

School/Youth Violence

Sometimes what you hear on the news can be really scary. It can be even scarier if you hear people talking about bad or dangerous things that have happened to kids at other schools. You may even wonder if those things could happen at your school.

What Is School Violence?

Anything that someone does to hurt another person at school can be called school violence. The person’s body or feelings could be hurt. Usually when you hear about school violence on the news, people are talking about things like guns at school or shootings, but school violence can also mean teasing, bullying or fighting on the playground.

What Causes School Violence?

It would be easier for adults to control school violence if there were only one reason why it happens, but there is no one cause. Experts say many things can contribute to school violence:

• Some kids who have problems at school or home may feel stressed out or frustrated because they can’t find solutions to their problems.
• They don’t think they can talk to their parents or teachers.
• They may feel they have no friends.
• Their frustrations can turn to anger. So, they may take it out on someone else.
• Some kids who watch violent TV shows or play violent video games may think that violence is the best way, or the only way, to solve problems.
• The problem of school violence gets even more complicated when those kids or teens who are upset with their lives have easy access to weapons, such as guns or knives.  People who are angry and take that anger out on others will do less damage with words than they would with a weapon.

What to Do if You Don't Feel Safe

Your strongest weapon is your voice!

Adults need to know what is bothering you so that they can help. You can start with your teacher, guidance counsellor or principal. Ask if you can have some private time together to talk over lunch or during recess or after school.
Ask your mom and dad to talk with you. They care about you and want to know when things bother you.

Whether you talk to someone at your school or your mom or dad, you should know that you're not tattling and what you say won't get spread around or get you in trouble. Telling someone that you don't feel safe or talking about something another kid is doing or saying that scares you is the right thing to do. By talking about it, you're helping to protect all the other kids in the school and keep everyone safe. You're a hero!