Teen Talk’s Peer Support Skitz volunteers show us how someone could stand up for someone else who is being bullied.

Teen Talk’s Peer Support Skitz volunteers show us what not to do when bullying is going on. If you feel safe to do so, you can stand-up for yourself and others when someone is being picked on.

Click here to view a song performed by David, a Peer Supporter from St. Norbert Collegiate!

It’s not fun to be teased for any reason: skinny, fat, short, tall, hair colour, etc. There are a few things you could do, depending on what works best for you. Some people choose to ignore it. Some people tell the person who is teasing that what they are doing is not ok. Some people compliment themselves and say nice things about their body and mind. Some people talk to someone else about what they are going through, like a guidance counsellor, teacher or phone line. Any of these approaches are fine. It’s important to remember that people come in all different shapes and sizes, and you’re perfect just the way you are. Remember to treat yourself well even if others aren’t. If someone is teasing you, they might have a problem that they need to deal with. You don’t need to change yourself for anyone!

No one deserves to be bullied, and it’s not your fault if someone else is picking on you. If you don’t feel safe talking to the bully, think about an adult that you trust. It could be a teacher, guidance counsellor, family member, a phone line, etc. Don’t keep it a secret. It’s important to think about your safety, but it’s also important to get help so the bullying will stop. Remember that you have a right to be respected, and that everyone has things that they are good at.

When you support a friend facing discrimination, we call it being an ally. There are a number of things that you can do:

• You can stand up for them if you feel safe doing so/
• You can tell a guidance counsellor or teacher about it, or go with your friend to talk to someone.
• Look at your own behaviours and attitudes and don’t laugh or tell offensive jokes.
• You can hangout with your friend and do things that you both enjoy.
• You could even educate others and create awareness events or posters in your school and community.
• You can ask them what you can do to help fight discrimination!

Unfortunately sometimes our families can be hurt us deeply with their words and through their actions.  If you are looking for support and friendship, contact The Rainbow Resource Centre at 474-0212.
The Resource Centre offers a gay, lesbian and bi-sexual youth group that meets weekly.  If you do not want to meet in person you can phone the counselling/support line at 284-5208.  If you are interested in meeting other cool youth who are interested in stopping homophobia and other forms hate you can join the Multi School Diversity Action Group.  This group is a gay/straight alliance, which means that everyone is welcome.
Last but not least, Teen Talk offers a Peer Support Program throughout the year where youth can come together and learn about cool stuff like pregnancy prevention, safer sex, diversity issues and healthy relationships. Call us at 784-4010 to register for the training.

The first thing you can do is realize it is NOT your fault! Then talk to someone you trust about what is happening to you. This could be your guidance counsellor, a coach, or a trusted teacher. It is their responsibility to make sure you are free from discrimination at school.

If you are experiencing racism outside of school, you can still talk about your experiences with the same people, and you can also talk to friends, family, caregivers, and even the crisis lines[Klinic Crisis Line] if you need someone to talk to.

If you are starting to feel badly about yourself, self care and positive self talk.  Do things that make you feel taken care of (hanging out with good friends, getting hugs from people you love, doing stuff you love to do, and thinking positively). This also means hanging out with people who support you and make you feel good about who you are.

Positive self talk means talking to yourself like you talk to your best friend. You would never call down your friend, instead you would compliment them. So try not to call yourself down when other people are already making you feel bad. Know that you are not alone; there are many supportive groups/organizations out there that help people talk, share, come together and raise awareness.

Often people pick on someone because they are trying to build themselves up by putting that person down. They try to hurt someone either to feel better about themselves or feel like they have gained some power over the other person (they are often trying to cover up their insecurities). Whatever the reason, it is still not ok and racist.

There are many ways you can support someone living with HIV. One of the simplest ways is to be non-judgemental. If someone feels like they are going to be judged by someone for being HIV positive, then they aren’t going to turn to that person for support. Treat them like you would treat any friend; do things that you enjoy together, talk, hangout, etc. Remember that it is totally ok to be friends, date, hangout or play sports with someone who has HIV. It’s also important to respect their privacy. People don’t have to give out any details or information about their health if they don’t want to.  For more info on HIV and AIDS, feel free to call the AIDS and STI info line at 1-800-782-2437.