Conflict, teasing, taunting and bullying: St. Francis Xavier parents learn the difference at workshop

Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

KEARNS — Parents of students at St. Francis Xavier School attended “Bullying Awareness Night” during Red Ribbon Week.

The program, which was tied to the Red Ribbon Week theme of “Our School Rocks: We ‘Band’ Together Against Bullies,” was presented by the administration and several teachers, who explained the differences between bullying, teasing and conflict, and how parents can work along with the school to eradicate bullying and support all members of the community. 

The presentation defined bullying and the different types of bullying, explained how parents can determine when their child is being bullied or bullying, and presented parent-specific resources.

“The information my husband and I got last night will not only help us with our daughter, who attends SFX, but will be so helpful with our 14-year-old son (who is a freshman),” said Heather Kamakana, who attended the event. ”Classes like these, which help us as parents and reassure us that things like bullying will not be tolerated, are one of the reasons why we love St. Francis.”

Cyberbullying is the least reported form of bullying, but can be devastating because it is public, and very hard to ever to escape, Principal Patrick Reeder said at the event, telling parents that they should be familiar with how much time their children spend on the Internet and know who they are chatting with online. Also, times should be set when social media devices are not to be in use. 

“It was great information,” said George Mason, grandfather of a St. Francis Xavier student. “It was also good to know that [the school] is providing some level of awareness and protection to our kids. The biggest takeaway was the cyber bullying and how dangerous social media can be and is today. My grandson will not be a part of social media until he is of age to decide it is something he wants to be a part of.”

The event provided St. Francis Xavier parents with useful information, said Felicia New. 

“The handouts and conversation clearly outlined exactly what bullying really is. The steps that will be taken by the faculty, if a situation occurs, were explained in great detail. I walked away with a clear understanding of what is expected behavior and a confidence and trust in the faculty that they will be involved in whatever capacity is needed to help render the situation. I understand as a parent my responsibility in talking to my child. 

“The faculty gave us some great examples of things to say and ways to approach some difficult conversations,” she added. “My child is in the kindergarten class, and it is very important to me to see how involved the faculty is and how important it is to them that any child involved is shown love and guidance. I am grateful for the community of St. Francis and I feel it takes this kind of support and love to help prevent taunting and bullying or to help children make it through these situations.” 

The St. Francis Xavier School motto is “Love of God, Love of Others, and Love of Self,” and the faculty were pleased to be able to demonstrate their love and support for all students – be they bullies, victims or bystanders – and for all of the families in the school. 

St. Francis will also be hosting an Internet Safety night Jan. 14 and school officials hope to see a great turnout from their parent community at that event and at future Bullying Awareness events.

Courtesy of St. Francis Xavier School