An anti-bullying workshop is visiting many of the Island's private schools this month, in response to rising parental concerns over bullying.

Canada's 'Dare to Care' programme, run by school specialists Lisa Dixon-Wells and Dwayne Peace, will make the rounds at the Bermuda High School for Girls, Mount St. Agnes, Saltus and Somersfield Academy starting next week.

It's the third year of the programme for Mount St. Agnes, where director of development Lisa Ann Bargett called the workshops a proactive measure.

"Because Bermuda's been having such an issue with bullying and with crime, we wanted to tackle it here before it became a serious issue.

"It's also a fabulous programme and very emotional for all of us here."

All departments will take part in sessions from Monday to Thursday.

Saltus Headmaster Ted Staunton promised "a full throttle programme, virtually stopping classes, to send a message to parents, staff and students that we want everyone on board for this." Saltus will start on Friday.

"As a new head you're always looking for primary issues. I was told we could spend a lot more time here on harassment and bullying."

He said Saltus had been "somewhat reticent" about discussing bullying in the past.

In a new precedent, Mr. Staunton said, the school will also devote Saturday to orientating all 92 of its teaching staff.

"We want all our regular staff to be able to cope with these issues. Bullying can be so subtle nowadays and you really need to have your wits about you," he said.

Hailing originally from Canada, Mr. Staunton said he had known about 'Dare to Care' before coming to Bermuda.

"As a newcomer I've been very impressed with the kids here. You just have to stay on top of the issues."

He added that cyber-bullying was a particular concern that needed to be addressed.

Some high-profile American cases have garnered heavy media coverage this year.

In January, a South Hadley, Massachusetts teenager committed suicide in part due to Facebook bullying.

Last month, the suicide of a Rutgers University student brought the issue back to the fore.

Mr. Staunton said he had noticed cyber-bullying appearing more frequently in the international news.

"Facebook issues and text issues are part of the climate we operate in these days. Of course, you hear from parents constantly about their concern over Facebook issues, and we have had a few that we were able to nip in the bud."

The bully-proofing workshops will be given to upper primary and secondary Saltus students.

'Dare to Care' will also visit the Bermuda High School for Girls and Somersfield Academy.

The programme ranges from presentations before students to full-day multimedia workshops.

Warwick Academy's deputy principal in charge of pastoral care, Anne Coakley, said their school had booked Dwayne Peace before and planned to have him back to talk to students in January.

Inviting the anti-bullying speaker was a way to pre-empt the bullying issue, she said.

"We want to keep students aware so that it doesn't become a problem, especially with cyber-bullying. Access to the internet involves large numbers of people. It's instant. It's a different ball game."