Feb. 26 workshop

will tackle bullying

BENNINGTON — Project Against Violent Encounters will host a presentation, “Helping My Child Stop the Bullies,” on Feb. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Molly Stark Elementary School.

Parents are encouraged to bring their school-aged children.

The presentation will deal with questions like: What should a student do when someone picks on him or her, or starts rumors, or never lets the student join a group? Is it really bullying if there is no physical contact?

Steve Breakstone, PAVE Youth Educator and author of the book, “How to Stop Bullying and Social Aggression,” said the goal of the workshop is to help understand and reduce bullying, cyber-bullying and social aggression.

“Social aggression, (which includes) silent treatment, targeting social status, rumor spreading and ‘do or don’t do this or I won’t be your friend’ is just as painful as physical bullying; sometimes more painful and often more common,” Breakstone said.

Parents will discover appropriate responses and find out how they can help their children respond immediately.

The workshop will involve role-playing and group activities.

“Practice is an essential element if a parent is to be secure in knowing they will be able to help their child deal with a bully or social aggressor,” said Breakstone.

For further information, call Breakstone at 734-5285 or email him at PaveYouthEducator@gmail.com.