New Steps to Prevent Bullying

Schools begin programs to educate students

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The month of October is National Bullying Prevention Month. In many schools across the country, new programs have begun that are intended to educate students about bullying and how it can impact people.

"I think that there are always more things that we can be doing [about] bullying," Danielle Trombley told Scholastic News. She is a sixth grade teacher at Immaculate Conception (IC) Elementary School located in Fayetteville, New York. "I think [the new programs are] just a start, and it's a good start. But there is going to be a lot more that we have to do."

Some schools and PTAs are taking part in the "Be a Buddy Not a Bully" campaign. Schools that invest in the program are offered bookmarks, pencils, activities, and facts. These items contain information and helpful hints about bullying and how to prevent it.

The Be a Buddy, Not a Bully tips are meant to encourage kids not to bully and instead be kind to everyone you meet. Some of the program's tips are:

1)    Tell your parents, teacher, or another trusted adult if you or anyone else is bullied.

2)    Never push, kick, or hit others. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated – with respect.

3)    Don't hang out in places where there are bullies.

4)    If you are bullied, don't get mad or fight back.

5)    Ignore the bully and walk away.

6)    Try to always go places with friends. Bullies often pick on kids who are alone.

What makes preventing bullying even hard is that there are many different forms of bullying, like social, emotional, physical, and cyber bullying.

"Technology has lent itself to being able to bully on a big scale," Lorrie Williams said of cyberbullying. She is a fourth grade teacher at IC School.

Bullies don't often realize that the aftermath of picking on other kids can be very serious, even fatal. That's why officials and administrators continue to pursue ways to prevent bullying.

One example is that some schools have mandated that a uniform be worn by students to school. Officials say that this will prevent teasing in regards to clothing because pupils will all be wearing the same outfit.

"So often, the bully doesn't think twice about it when it's happening sometimes, and maybe not even after that," Mrs. Williams said.

With these different programs in place, teachers and administrators hope to see a decrease in the amount of bullying in their schools.

STAND UP TO BULLYING

Kid Reporters are talking to  kids, parents, teachers, and stars about how to prevent bullying and keep it out of kids' lives. Find all of their stories in the Stand Up to Bullying Special Report.

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