During the Cayman Islands’ first Bullying Awareness Month this October, local experts want the public to know that there is more to bullying than “just kids being kids”.

Organized by the Family Resource Centre (FRC), the celebration aims to educate the public on how to protect children from the effects of bullying, and to unite communities. With this objective in mind, a number of activities have been organised throughout the month.

The Take a Stand Conference takes place on Wednesday, 16 October 2013 from 5:30pm-8:30pm at the George Town Public Library. This is organised as part of the Library’s lecture series and the FRC’s family skills sessions.

The event will include interactive presentations, hands-on activities and information for children, teens, parents and employers. LIME staff will also facilitate computer safety and cyber bullying prevention sessions. Refreshments will be available. The event is free but registration is required. To register, interested persons are asked to contact the centre at 949-0006 or email [email protected]

Cyber bullying can range from sending mean messages or threats, spreading rumors, and posting unflattering pictures, to pretending to be someone else online. Z99 and its sponsors are helping educate through Radio Public Service Announcements.

FRC’s Programme Coordinator Miriam Foster said, “Considering the advanced forms of technology and popular social sites now available, cyber bullying is a growing issue in the Cayman Islands and it is critical that young people understand the consequences of what they post online.”

On Friday, 18 October – Stand Up Day, the public is encouraged to participate in the Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPWC) Silent Witness March at 5:30 pm. The walk will begin from Government Administration Building and end at the Legislative Assembly. Participants are encouraged to wear pink STOOD UP t-shirts which are now available on sale. The shirts cost $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Organisations are welcomed to walk with their club banners during the march.

Although BPWC organizes this annual event for domestic violence, it is now being extended to victims of bullying since these relationships are parallel.

Following this, Ocean Marie Van Der Bol will share her personal story on bullying.  A collaborative art piece created on the day will also be on display at Heroes’ Square during the rest of the month.

Ms Foster also urged parents to use the month as a good opportunity to talk with their children about bullying and their online experiences.