By Amy L. Hatch
A regional non-profit group is hosting a forum this evening — and twice a month from here on out — about the forms and effects of bullying.
The TALK Foundation, Taking Action, Loving Kids, is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the safety and well-being of children in the Champaign-Urbana area, says co-founder Kathy El Koury.
“While our current focus is bullying, we are interested in all issues that impact children, including sexual and physical abuse,” she tells chambanamoms.com.
The first free event is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., tonight, Monday, Feb. 20, in the Robeson Pavillion at the Champaign Public Library, and attendees can expect to be introduced to the organization, and then people will be offered the chance to share their thoughts and experiences about bullying.
El Koury, who is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a therapist at Kevin Elliott Counseling, says that while bullying has been top of mind for many parents lately, especially after tragic incidents like the death of Ashlynn Conner, the fact is that bullies have been around since the beginning of time.
“It is true that bullying has occurred for many, many years,” she says. “However, that does not mean that it is acceptable. During the forum tonight, I will discuss recent studies that indicate that being bullied has long-lasting effects on children. Additionally, the children exhibiting the bullying behaviors also suffer long-term consequences as they continue such behaviors into adulthood.”
The TALK Foundation plans to host similar open forums every month in Champaign, every first and third Monday, at the library.
No child — whether they are the victim or the perpetrator — should suffer through bullying, says El Koury.
“The effects of bullying, on the victim and the child who is bullying, are not part of growing up,” she says.
For more information, visit the TALK Foundation website or their Facebook page.
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