This article is a first in a series of interviews Muslim Link is conducting with Muslim children in Ottawa. Ottawa’s Muslim community is quite young but we often do not get an opportunity to hear the thoughts and opinions of this significant demographic on social problems in our society.

Starting this school year, all school boards will be required to implement strict policies to prevent bullying

On June 5th, the Ontario Legislature passed Bill 13, the Accepting Schools Act, which will allow schools to expel bullies. The bill states that every student has the right to a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting, regardless of “race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender entity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability”.

“Respond ”“ don't react”. What do these words mean to you? On Monday, Apr. 9, I participated in a YOUCAN Peace Builder Workshop. In the workshop, I learned about responding and not reacting to challenging situations. I learned that if someone is bothering you or bullying you, it's better to respond effectively than react with anger.

A bully will always want a reaction out of you. But if you respond in a self-controlled way, the bully won't have an answer. For example, if someone treats you in a disrespectful manner and you start yelling and screaming back at them; that would be a reaction.