Parents, Teens Invited to Bullying Panel Discussion

Susan Dahle has been reading – and crying over - nationwide reports of children ending their lives because of bullying. The recent spike in bullying tragedies has Dahle and the rest of the Open and Affirming Ministry at brainstorming what they can do to combat the problem.

Their efforts will begin Sunday, Oct. 23 in a panel discussion that brings parents, teens, a social worker and Farmington Police youth officers together to discuss bullying and what can be done. The group has also invited a member of True Colors, a non-profit organization that works to help sexual and gender minority youth.

With the help of the experts, the group is hoping to offer parents and children some tools.

“I think this could absolutely give a parent a different outlook, a different way to handle bullying, maybe to make their kids realize ‘listen, you can come to me and tell me.’ And to let kids know they can go to their teachers. There are people there to help them. There is a way to stop it,” she said.

The group formed about a year and a half ago, when the congregation began the process to declare its position as an open and affirming church. Though it’s just beginning its work, Dahle said members are following their hearts to meet what they see as a great need.

“I can’t imagine a parent that isn’t concerned about this,” Dahle said. “I suppose the ones that think their kids are perfect, they maybe don’t see it because maybe they don’t come home crying but you just don’t know.”

She mentioned newer issues like cyberbullying and sexual predators. And sometimes the bully is a parent, she said.

“It’s rampant and it only takes a second to bully someone,” she said.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Amistad Hall. All are welcome and childcare will be available.