It’s each of our responsibilities.
For over 30 years, Kids on the Block has performed bullying prevention programs in hundreds of schools throughout Middle Tennessee. From kindergarten through 4th grade, the age-appropriate puppet presentations promote respect and understanding and acceptance of all individuals regardless of their differences.
The Kids on the bullying prevention programs are designed to:
- Openly and honestly discuss issues around diversity, teasing, and name-calling that may lead to bullying and exclusion
- Discuss the effects bullying behavior has on everyone while encouraging kindness and compassion
- Answer students’ questions through our kids (puppets) about bullying that they may not otherwise feel comfortable asking another peer or adult
- Provide powerful information about what bullying is and identify various forms of bullying in a kid-friendly way
- Empower students to speak out in unjust situations and take action to be a “hero” in their school by reporting bullying to trusted adults
- Help students come to understand that a safe school climate is EVERYONE’S responsibility!
- Provide tools they can use to stand up for themselves and others
“It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” – Frederick Douglas
Tips for Parents and Caregivers:
- Know what bullying is and what it is NOT. It can be difficult for kids and adults to distinguish between friendly teasing, conflict, and bullying behavior. When in doubt, refer to the Olweus definition of bullying:“Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.”
- Do not permit bullying in the home. Encouraging kindness and modeling respectful behavior at home will let children know hurtful behaviors are not tolerated anywhere and with anyone, even between siblings.
- Keep lines of communication wide open. Let kids know if they ever have a problem with bullying, the adults in their lives will listen, take them seriously, and do whatever they can to make sure it stops. It’s never too early to start conversations about bullying behavior.
- Remember: You can do so much to help your kids be a HERO and put a stop to bullying!
Here’s our “Be a Hero” Rules that you can share at home or in your school:
- Do not bully other kids! Heroes don’t hurt, they help!
- Help another kid if they are getting bullied. Instead of being a bystander, be a
STAND-BYER! For example, if a kid is being bullied, stand next to them. This shows you have their back and lets the kid who is bullying know that you do NOT agree with it. Tip: Always try to include kids who are getting left out. - Report bullying to an adult at school and an adult at home.
Resources:
Kid-friendly Books About Bullying:
- The Weird Series by Erin Frankel (Stories About Overcoming Bullying in Schools)
- Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud
- Here is a great resource for educators:
For more information on bullying visit the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.
October is Bullying Prevention Month
It started in 2006 as a nationwide campaign founded by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. The campaign’s goal to raise awareness about bullying prevention around the world! Thousands of schools and organizations participate in activities throughout the month of October in efforts to unite around the common goal of preventing bullying in our schools and communities.
To learn more about the National Bullying Prevention month visit their website.
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