Former NHLer Sheldon Kennedy launches online anti-bullying tool

There’s a new online tool to help teachers across Saskatchewan deal with bullying and abuse.

It’s called “Respect in School” and former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy is the face behind it.

Kennedy, who was sexually abused by disgraced former coach Graham James in the 80’s, said the program teaches staff how to prevent, identify and respond to problematic situations.

“Our goal is around educating all of the adults on really what these issues are,” said Kennedy. “Most of the time these issues carry a lot of fear, there’s a lot of confusion and there’s a lot of misunderstanding.”

Part of the program uses consistent language that breaks down signs of problems and the importance of reaching out.

“What we really try to focus on is bringing clarity and simplicity and a knowledge base that allows us to have a conversation to be able to understand clearly what our moral and legal responsibilities are and how do we help kids and where do we get them to get help,” Kennedy explained.

It’s something Kennedy says he wished was around in when he was abused by James.

“There was good people around the situation that didn’t understand but had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right,” said Kennedy. “People just didn’t know what to do and I think that’s fairly common within society and what we’re trying to do is bring a confidence around these issues so we can talk about them.”

The program, which will begin in the coming weeks, will be available to all school divisions, including First Nations and independent schools at no cost.