Abbotsford DPAC Hosts Webinar on Bullying Ahead of Pink Shirt Day

New Approach Helps Parents, Caregivers, and Educators Support Children in a Changing Digital Landscape

Abbotsford, BC — The Abbotsford District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) is inviting all parents, caregivers, and educators in the Abbotsford School District to a free live webinar, “Bullying: A New Approach to an Enduring Problem,” on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. via Zoom.

This timely event is hosted just two days before Pink Shirt Day—a national day dedicated to anti-bullying awareness—and offers families and school communities practical insights and strategies to help children navigate the rising challenges of peer aggression and cyberbullying.

A New Understanding of Bullying

Featuring internationally recognized counsellor, educator, and author Dr. Deborah MacNamara, the webinar explores why traditional anti-bullying programs often fall short and what adults can do differently. Drawing from the relational-developmental approach and the work of Dr. Gordon Neufeld, Dr. MacNamara will unpack the emotional dynamics that drive bullying behaviour and reveal effective ways adults can intervene with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

“Bullying is an age-old problem with an increasingly modern face,” says Dr. MacNamara. “As digital interactions grow, cyberbullying is replacing playground conflicts—leaving many adults unsure how to support children. But when we understand what fuels bullying, we gain powerful tools to keep kids safe.”

Why This Matters Now

As school communities prepare for Pink Shirt Day on February 25, this webinar provides an opportunity to go beyond awareness and into meaningful action. Participants will learn how to recognize bullying dynamics, how to guide children through difficult peer relationships, and how adults can help create safer emotional environments at home and in school.

“With rising concerns about cyberbullying and peer aggression, our goal is to equip families and educators with practical, research-informed approaches,” says Abbotsford DPAC. “We’re grateful to Dr. MacNamara for bringing her expertise to our district.”

Event Details

Title: Bullying: A New Approach to an Enduring Problem

Date: Monday, February 23, 2026

Time: 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Format: Live Zoom Webinar

Speaker: Dr. Deborah MacNamara, Neufeld Institute Faculty Member

Audience: Parents, caregivers, and educators of the Abbotsford School District

Registration Required: https://www.abbotsforddpac.ca/event-details/supporting-children-through-bullying

About Dr. Deborah MacNamara

Dr. MacNamara is a leading expert in the relational-developmental approach, a long-standing faculty member at the Neufeld Institute, and an author known for her practical and compassionate guidance for families. Through her clinical work and teaching, she helps adults understand the emotional development of children and how to support them through challenging experiences.

About Abbotsford DPAC

The Abbotsford District Parent Advisory Council advocates for the collective voice of parents within the Abbotsford School District. DPAC works to strengthen communication between families, schools, and the district, while supporting PACs and fostering meaningful parent engagement in education.

Media Contact:Abbotsford District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC)

Email: dpac.sd34@gmail.com

Website: www.abbotsforddpac.ca