Affecting far too many young people, including right here in West Central Alberta, bullying is one of the great downsides of the education experience in Alberta in 2013.
Whether it's through face-to-face or online bullying, the victimization of students by other students makes life difficult and in some tragic cases even intolerable.
No question, bullying is one of the most pressing social issues facing this province and something that must be addressed. As such, MLAs from all parties have an ongoing obligation to work hard with educators, parents and young people themselves to bring about a reduction in bullying in Alberta.
Last week, the Redford government took what may prove to be an important step in the anti-bullying fight, announcing that it has created a new associate cabinet position tasked with fighting bullying, as well as fighting violence against women and the exploitation of children.
MLA Sandra Jansen will hold the new associate minister position, making her the highest-ranking government official to ever be tasked specifically with fighting bullying in Alberta.
“We're going to put in new measures to fight bullying, new measures to fight human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and children,” said Jansen.
Premier Alison Redford added: “There's been a number of best practices right across the country, but to actually pull those pieces together in a way that we can ensure has an impact on children today, immediately, is very important.”
Jansen, who was elected in 2012, may announce new anti-bullying measures when the new session of the legislature gets underway this fall. Hopefully, those plans will include concrete steps to turn the tables on bullies, making them pay a much heavier price for their cruel actions.
Meanwhile, official Opposition Wildrose justice critic Shayne Saskiw questions whether a new associate minister position is really necessary.
“Protecting families and communities should be the No. 1 priority of any government, but one would expect the requirements under this role would already fall under the minister of justice and Solicitor General combined with the human services minister,” said Saskiw.
Despite their political differences, MLAs should realize that with the well-being and health of Alberta's young people at stake, the anti-bullying fight will, in the end, need to be all about cooperation and teamwork.
When bullying makes students afraid to pursue their rightful educations it is a black mark on Alberta, hurting both current and future generations of Albertans.
With that in mind, MLA Jansen will hopefully take her new position very seriously – because students, parents and other Albertans are counting on her to help get the anti-bullying job done.
