Freeport, Bahamas - The Grand Bahama Christian Council, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, concerned parents, youth workers and other corporate partners, will be hosting Bullying Awareness Workshops on Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at Bishop Michael Eldon School’s Auditorium.

Bullying, the act of intentionally causing harm to others through verbal harassment, physical assault, or other more subtle methods of coercion, such as manipulation, has always been a problem within our schools. However, within the last few years it has escalated. Today, one major concern is Cyber Bullying, bulling via technological devices such as the internet and cell phones.

We have therefore planned these seminars to bring more awareness to the public of this serious, sometimes life threatening problem. We are also of the opinion that there is a link between childhood bullying and criminality. Therefore, if we learn to recognize the bullying tendencies in our children, we could correct them from an early age.

John H. Hoover, Ph.D., Associate Dean of the College of Education, St. Cloud State University, Minnesota, an expert in the field of bullying, is our facilitator for the workshops. Dr. Hoover is the author of the “Bullying Prevention Handbook,” “Risk in our Midst” and “Teasing and Harassment.” He will offer presentations on bullying; its consequences and prevention. He will explore the causes of bullying, behaviors associated with bullying, bullying and its link to criminality, the relationship between school bullying and academic achievement and effective prevention models for schools and communities.

The Bullying Awareness Workshop will be conducted in four sessions. On Tuesday September 15, 2009 from 8:45 am to 12:00 pm, a session will be held for students (grades 7-12). On Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 10:00am to 3:00pm, there will be a session for professionals- administrators, psychologists, guidance counselors, social workers, attendance officers, police officials, etc. On both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, there will be general sessions for parents, teachers, youth workers and the general public.

Several agencies have partnered to ensure the success of this venture.Therefore, the workshops are free of charge. We encourage all to attend, as we anticipate very informative and enlightening experiences.