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Aiming to offer youths and parents specific help Continued from page 1 7 · Thursday, September 6, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com and services in Halton, related to bullying prevention. The task force hopes to identify gaps in programming and services, and maximize collaboration to reduce duplication of programs and services. Cyber-bullying Langill said the task force plans to organize a community forum at which local groups can put heads together to come up with a strategic, co-ordinated plan to address bullying across Halton. "We're in the information gathering stage," said Langill, a former HCDSB superintendent of education and now an education consultant with Halton police. The task force goal is to better help Halton youths and their parents by being "more specific about what (help) is available and where to get it." Langill, who also helped write the antibullying legislation passed at Queen's Park last June, said the group will take a close look at cyber-bullying, which seems to be "prominent right now." The report states "the complexity of bullying requires diverse bullying prevention and support activities." Youth survey A Halton Youth Survey conducted in 2009/10 indicated that 39 per cent of Grade 7 students surveyed have been bullied. In comparison, 28 per cent of Grade 10 students surveyed have been bullied. Another survey with updated statistics will be conducted this fall. "These impacts affect the psychological, emotional, physical, and social health of an individual...," the report reveals, adding the effects are numerous and include poor social skills leading to poor social relationships, poor academic achievement, engagement in delinquent/criminal behaviour in adulthood and participation in substance use behaviours. The report also details varied prevention and support strategies needed to address bullying. The recommended practices include positive parenting, social skills development, peer/ youth engagement and creating positive social climate. g starts this summer! Better hearing What will they think of next? This is a specific matrix barcode, readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data. Scan the QR code above on your smartphone and you will be directed straight to our website. ff the th llatest t t state-of-the-art t t f th t For a limited time, get up to 40% off hearing aid technology and get started on a summer of better hearing. Call or visit our Oakville Hearing Solutions clinic during our Friends & Family Event and take advantage of our best deal of the year! *See clinic for details