MISSION

The goal of my foundation is very simple: help youth, stop the bullying and promote physical activity in schools.

I personally ensure that 100% of the funds are redistributed to the best Canadian resources and programs dedicated to preventing bullying and promoting youth participation in sports.

GSP's Bullying Story

What to do with Bullies

helpful resources

GSP's Bullying Story

Being bullied when I was a little kid played a huge role in who I am today. It made me.
Below is part of my story, written by a friend of mine:

“Alone, the skinny kid walked to school as he always had. The same houses, along the same street, seeing the same trees, ditches and neighbors he’d always known in St-Isidore, a town of 2,200 people smack in the middle of nowhere.

The problem was that he couldn’t stop himself from repeatedly licking his dry lips. Round and round, over and over again, until his raw skin pealed into a red outline framing his mouth. A diminutive clown, every single day of school. They could see him coming, he said, “because I was so ugly. I was easy pickings.”

Before he could reach for the school’s front door, a group of 12-year-olds – held back three school years because of serious behavioral problems – would pounce on and strip him. Strip him of his pants, of his lunch money, and of his dignity before a laughing chorus of boys and girls. Everybody pointing fingers except for the shadows of his few true friends – other nerds, other rejects in hiding. The helpless.

Georges St-Pierre was nine years old…”

Bullying has always existed and hundreds of thousands of kids around the world still suffer from abuse at the hands of peers. It usually happens at school. Bullying takes different forms, it can be verbal or physical abuse, often both. It usually evolves over time, grows worse and takes different forms. Cyberbulliyng is the latest and most alarming trend, and it didn't exist when I was 10 years old.
Every single bullied child has her or his own story. Sadly, a lot of these stories don't have happy endings and people carry suffering with them for years. I want to help people who are and have been bullied. I want to help them learn how to deal with bullying As a first step, this is what I tell them:

what to do with Bullies

To bullied kids and teens I say, talk to your parents and teacher(s) about what is going on. Sharing and communicating are important because you are not alone. Also, stand up straight and look people in the eyes, do not retaliate with violence, be confident and tell the truth - all this will make you feel better and empowered. You have to know that there are people out there who want to help.

To bullies I say, nothing positive will ever come out of your actions. You are not only destroying your victims’ lives, but also YOUR life. Stop wasting your time and your potential, RESPECT YOURSELF, RESPECT OTHERS.

To parents I say, never assume that your kid can’t be bullied or can’t be bullying others. Bullying has no social class or other demographic profile. Regular communication with your kids and teens is key. Don’t accept vague answers, take the time to discuss this issue thoroughly and take action at the first sign even if your child admits to being a passive witness of ongoing bullying. It's your job.

To teachers and other adults I say, never close your eyes or look the other way on bullying, you have the power to change the life of human beings that deeply need your help, and right now.

Resources and helpful links

I don't pretend to be an authority on bullying in general. My limited expertise on this matter comes from my own experience in the early 1990s. It comes from what I have learned over the years, and from what has worked to empower me. I have not studied the fundamental nature and various forms of bullying, including all remedies and solutions that may be available out there. Fortunately, there are many great organizations and resources available to help kids, teens, parents and educators to prevent and stop bullying. I have listed below some of ones I like the most and I offer my personal support to any of my fans that may be dealing with bullying.

Canada

Kids Help Phone
Available anytime of the day or night, in English and French, by phone and by web, Kids Help Phone is a great resource for kids in Canada from five to 20 when they need help or trustworthy information on issues that are difficult to discuss with anyone else. Providing a service that is free, anonymous and confidential, Kids Help Phone is always there if you need help.
https://kidshelpphone.ca/topic/bullying-abuse/bullying/

PREVNet
PREVNet (“Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence”) is a national network of Canadian researchers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governments committed to stop bullying. PREVNet’s website, contains, among other things: specific information and practical resources for different categories of people, such as kids, teens, parents and adults who work with children; bullying facts, myths and statistics; high-quality Newsletters; links to other websites; a list of published books related to bullying; and media resources that can be viewed online..
https://www.prevnet.ca/bullying

USA

StopBullying.gov
StopBullying.gov is an official U.S. Government website which provides information from various government agencies on how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying. The sections “What is Bullying”, “Recognize the Warning Signs” and “How do I Get Help” provide a lot of useful information and tips, especially on cyberbullying and bullying based on a young person’s sexual orientation. “Webisodes” for kids is also an interesting feature.
https://www.stopbullying.gov/

STOMP Out Bullying
STOMP Out Bullying is a national non-profit anti-bullying and cyberbullying program for kids and teens. Their website contains information and tools focusing on the reduction and prevention of bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other digital abuse, homophobia, racism and hatred, school absenteeism, and violence in schools. BLUE SHIRT DAY - WORLD DAY OF BULLYING PREVENTION was created by STOMP Out Bullying to signify the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month in October.
https://www.stompoutbullying.org

Stop Bullying Now!
The Stop Bullying Now! website presents practical intervention strategies to reduce bullying in schools and specifically describes interventions that work and don’t work, including guidelines to help those who bully and to support the victims of bullying.
https://www.stopbullyingnow.com/

UK

Anti-Bullying Alliance
Founded in 2002 by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and the National Children's Bureau, the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) brings together over 100 organizations to develop a consensus around how to stop and prevent bullying. This website contains extensive information and tips on how to deal with homophobic bullying, cyberbullying, sexual bullying and offers online toolkits to help local authorities and schools create and embed their anti-bullying strategy, in addition to helplines and web-based general anti-bullying resources.
https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

Bullying.co.uk (Family Lives)
Family Lives is a UK charity that has over three decades of experience in helping parents deal with the changes that are a constant part of family life. This website features comprehensive and user-friendly advice sections on bullying for “Young People”, “Parents” and “Schools” and a homepage featuring a free telephone Parentline, Email, Live chat or Skype helpline and a local support search tool.
https://www.bullying.co.uk/

Australia

Bullying. No way!
Bullying. No way! is a website developed and managed by Australian education authorities for use by Australia's Government and school communities, including students, teachers and parents. This is an amazing and super user-friendly website, everything is there for everyone that may be affected by bullying and the “Chill out space” and “Ideas box” are great.
https://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/

Sweden

Friends
FRIENDS; is a non-profit organization, focused purely on anti-bullying. Educating and supporting schools and sports clubs throughout Sweden, their vision is to see children and adolescents growing up in a safe and secure society where all are treated equally.
https://www.friends.se/

Bris
BRIS; Barnens Rätt I Samhället (roughly translates "Children’s right in society") is based on volunteer work and aims to support children in distress and function as a link between children, adults and the community. BRIS offers support services such as the Children’s helpline and the BRIS-chat which are both anonymous and free of charge.
https://www.bris.se/