For some candidates, the idea of an anti bullying bylaw strikes close to home.
“Our son actually was the victim of bullying,” said city council candidate Harold Pereverseff. “Unfortunately it actually escalated to the point where he was fully assaulted.”
“I myself along with many others have had personal experiences with bullying or discrimination,” added fellow candidate Dillon Hargreaves.
Other council hopefuls see the thought as a social obligation for the population.
“We also recognize that adults,” said incumbant candidate Ryan Parker. “Some people get bullied in the workplace, as we know, students get bullied on the school grounds.”
But regardless of their opinion on an anti-bullying bylaw in Lethbridge it seems candidates all agree this is a topic that needs to be addressed.
Victims of bullying have made headlines across the world, stories of tragedy sparking an anti bullying movement so strong that some communities have been successful in passing a bylaw.
But social service organizations say prevention is stronger than punishment.
“Whenever you’re looking at an interpersonal issue you have to have a multi-layered approach,” said Michele Montgomery of the Southwest Alberta Child and Family Services. “I think it’s equally if not more important to look at prevention. ”
Some council candidates agree: solving the epidemic goes beyond policing the issue. It requires a hands on approach.
Yet another task for the future city council to consider.
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