Anti-Bullying Conference Stresses Children Need a “Listening Ear”
The Hardeman County Community Health Center (HCCHC) presented One Kind Word! Anti-Bullying Conference on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at its Women’s and Children’s Center in Bolivar. Dr. John Pasley, a crisis counselor for the Jackson-Madison County Schools and a private counselor with SoundPoint Counseling Services, was the guest speaker for the program, which was geared towards elementary through high school students.
“Although we see a lot of bullying in our school system, bullying does not only take place in the schools. It takes place in the community, and it can also take place in the home,” said Dr. Pasley, who has been counseling for 20 years. “It doesn’t matter your age, your sexuality, bullying can happen at any time and in any place, and it can have an effect on someone’s mental health.”
Dr. Pasley gave the children pointers on how to identify bullying, steps to take if they recognize someone is being bullied, and to also report the bullying to an authority. He distributed a survey for the children to complete, which he reviewed and later addressed some of the concerns students shared.
“Sometimes in a setting like this, it is hard to get them [students] to admit they are being bullied,” said Dr. Pasley. “Some of them did admit they have been bullied, and their parents took care of the matter.”
It is surprising to many; students may experience bullying as early as elementary school, which is why Dr. Pasley insists parents begin speaking to their children at an early age.
“Oftentimes, parents don’t have those conversations with their children,” said Dr. Pasley, who had some advice for parents. “Have those conversations and ask questions. Every child does not need counseling, but every child needs a listening ear.”
Vanessa Rucker, who has been an LPN with the HCCHC for four years, organized the conference, because she has seen a rise in bullying over the years.
“I like working with youth and know it [bullying] is a problem, and I am very concerned, because it has been more and more prevalent,” said Ms. Rucker. “I am trying to make their parents aware of what their kids may be going through.”
Some of the students who attended the conference shared what they learned.
“I learned you can stop people from bullying others and help others out,” said Mason.
“You can help people when they are getting bullied by telling the teacher,” said Kaylle.
“I learned how to help people stop bullying,” said Nehemiah, who has seen bullying happen at school.
“Bullying is not good for the public. It’s not good for the people. It could make someone have suicidal thoughts,” said Damarion
One of the main goals Ms. Rucker had for the conference was to help parents know the signs to watch for in their children, who may be experiencing bullying. She also wanted to provide means for resolution for the parents, as well as the children before they turn to violence as a way to solve the bullying they may be experiencing.
“Sometimes we forget, and we don’t pay attention. I think maybe once a week, people just need to sit down to have a conversation,” said Ms. Rucker, who hopes the program, becomes a regular event. “I am thankful for the support we received during the event and am looking forward to it being bigger and better next year.”
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