Despite best efforts, one in five children will experience bullying during their school years.

As a parent or caregiver, are you prepared to respond if your child is being bullied, is engaged in bullying others, or is witnessing bullying?

With the help of several partners, the Cochrane Kiwanis Club wants to help with a special session starting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 22, which coincides with Pink Shirt Day.

"We're going to discuss nine or 10 tips that could help in any one of the three situations," explains Kiwanis president Ron Gosselin.

Elizabeth Bennett, a retired award-winning principal and communication specialist from Peers Mediation and Skills Training (PMAST), is leading this presentation for parents and caregivers in the Hillside Room of the SLS Centre, 800 Griffin Rd. E.

Bennett is a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse as a teen. She has been a contributing author to two best-selling books, and her chapter focused on the courage to speak.

PMAST’s mission is to equip youth, families, and communities with the skills to manage conflict where they live, learn, work, and play.

It's free to attend, but seating is limited to about 60 people, and early registration is recommended. To register, go here.

Gosselin says a second session will be led by an RCMP officer, likely in March, on cyberbullying prevention. 

"I'm not sure if there's going to be a third one, but so far, we're just looking at those two."

The program is being presented in partnership with Family and Community Support Services, Family Resource Network, and the SLS Centre. 

The Kiwanis is an international organization dedicated to improving the world, one child at a time.

"We specialize in trying to help children who live in a low-income-type family so they can have the same opportunities as everybody else."

Bully session poster