Bullying - sad reality or media buzz

Name calling, teasing, joking, kidding...when is too far too far? Bullying seems to be a growing problem in our society and Canadian High schools. It could be a question of gender, race, religion, size, social or financial background and almost everyone fits into a category, having a reason to be bullied. The signs are everywhere, from cyber-bullying to messages on bathroom walls.
MCLEAN'S visited Princess Margaret Secondary School, in Penticton B.C.,  to investigate the controversy on how bullying affects Canadian teenagers.
Princess Margaret Secondary School lies in the sunny Okanagan, a small town with a population of approx. 40,000. With a mixed population of mainly Caucasians, east Indians and Aboriginals, "Maggie" seems to have a healthy, balanced mix.

As we talked to students and teachers it appears that it is not a pure question of yes or no.
Trying to make a positive impact on students teachers work hard, Mr.Grady, Vice Principal of Princess Margaret Secondary, states: " I do not believe that we have a severe bullying problem at our school, but I do believe that we have to keep being aware of that so it won't become one."
With monthly A.I.R. (Accountability, Integrity, Respect) lessons, anti bullying weeks and activities, and a 'be the change' workshop students at "Maggie" seem to have a strong and trusting relationship to their teachers and peers.

As we talk to students the opinions are mixed, while most of them have a positive outlook. A Grade 11 boy states:"We don't have a bullying problem at Maggi! we might pull things on each other but we would never intentionally hurt someone. We're like family."
As we make our way through the school, it shows that respect is a big component of the Maggi environment, but by the end of the day we our self become unwelcome visitors of a conflict based scene on racism. Sitting on the hallway floor the group of ninth graders does not receve much attention until we note a student standing over a fellow student of Japanese descent. "Move it, Chinese..!!" Stating the tone of his voice and the victims expression it is clear that even though it was not a terrible or physical attack, it was clearly meant to hurt.

Sad reality or media buzz? As of the PMSS students and our observations Maggie does not have a bullying problem. Unfortunately the younger the student the less the respect and the more the motivation to power struggle. Gratefully senior classes take over to lead the way and make a change for what Maggi calls:
"Spirit is in the A.I.R.".