BURBANK, Calif.—A major anti-bullying presentation panel will be held at the Burbank Youth Center on Sunday, May 17.
Set to begin at 1 p.m., panel organizers from the Armenian Youth Federation Juniors say that the growing prevalence of bullying, in its various forms, necessitated the gathering.
Speakers will include Officer Vaughn Gaboudian, Los Angeles Schools Police Department; Officer Jonathan Dugas, Burbank Police Department; Dr. Ilin Magran, Psychologist – Glendale Unified School District; Dr. Sose Esmaeili, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Narek Kassabian, Ed.D., Principal of R.D. White Elementary.
“I have witnessed the adverse effects bullying has on kids,” said Ani Garibyan the director of the organizing group’s Burbank chapter. “Whether it’s bullying in a physical way, in social settings or on the internet; the end result is disturbing at the least and can be devastating if neglected.”
The lineup of expert speakers will present on the topic separately to both youth and parents in attendance. Insight on the widespread societal problem of bullying and its impact will be discussed. Attendees can expect to learn about methods and resources to help deal with and prevent bullying.
“We realize that this can be a sensitive issue for kids and parents alike,” said Saro Shirinian the chairman of the AYF Juniors Central Council. “To encourage open dialogue and comfortable exchange of information, we decided to separate parents from kids. We hope to provide an atmosphere where both can speak freely about this important topic.”
“I have seen first hand how bullying can effect the self-esteem of children. The impact goes far beyond what is imaginable and permeates to a child’s school work, behavior at home and even outlook on life,” said Mariam, a mother of a Burbank student – who wished not to disclose her full name. “I want to find ways to help my child and am hopeful that the parents of children who bully will attend this panel as well.”
Attendance is free of charge. A social hour will follow the panels. The address of the Burbank Youth Center is 75 Santa Anita Ave., Burbank, CA 91502. For more information, contact ayfjuniors@ayfwest.org.
