Presentation illuminates bullying issue to Anthem students

STAFF REPORT~ 12/28/2011

Canyon Springs School in Anthem was paid a visit by Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids), who offered a presentation on the issue of bullying in schools earlier this month.

The all-day bullying presentations for students ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade follows MASK’s blanket approach of educating students, administrators and parents on the latest trends.
"They didn't pull any punches, which was a welcome shock to the kids,” Jason Stanley, a sixth grade teacher at Canyon Springs said. “Kids need to know the impact of their actions without being sugar-coated."
The presentation included information about the many forms of bullying and highlighted the more prevalent types among specific age groups and gender. Students learned the various reasons why kids bully, who is most affected, and were provided with tips and tools on how to deal with bullying situations, whether they are the bully, the victim or the bystander.
Following the presentations, eighth grade teacher Jaime Stento said, “The message 'You need to have each other's backs' resonated with the students."
MASK provides free presentations in schools and throughout the community to educate students, administrators and parents.  In addition, MASK’s award-winning quarterly publication, MASK The Magazine, delivers parenting solutions for today’s families and is available for purchase at all Barnes & Noble stores in Arizona or at maskmatters.org.
MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization created in 2007 by a group of dedicated mothers who recognize the need to consistently educate parents and children on rapidly changing issues. MASK’s mission is to educate both parents and children about the issues facing our youth and to empower children to make safe, healthy choices.