With bullying in B.C. a prime focus of late following Maple Ridge teen Amanda Todd's suicide and Premier Christy Clark's ERASE Bullying Summit, the City of Surrey and education officials launched the second-annual Stop Bullying Film Contest Wednesday.

Gathered at Johnston Heights Secondary, representatives from the Surrey RCMP, Surrey school district, City of Surrey and CUPE 402 officially kicked off the contest before a crowd of students.

Coun. Barinder Rasode was in attendance as acting mayor and encouraged all students to use this contest as an opportunity to make their voices heard in the fight against bullying.

"Recent tragedies have reminded us that bullying is still a live reality for many of our youth," said Rasode on behalf of Mayor Dianne Watts, who was unable to attend. "The purpose of the Stop Bullying Film Contest is to raise awareness of the significant challenges that many youth face through the innovative use of film."

Also in attandance was Const. Dan Burggraaf of the Surrey RCMP, acting liaison for Johnston Heights. As a member of the local police force, Burggraaf encouraged all students to take part in the contest in order to raise awareness and educate everyone about the negativities of bullying.

"Bullying is an issue not only in Surrey, B.C., Canada-wide but globally," said Burggraaf.

The contest submission deadline is Feb. 8 and student films must be either 30 or 60 seconds long. For more information, go to surrey.ca/stopbullying.

cpoon@thenownewspaper.com

Twitter @questionchris