The Creative Counselor: Empower Students to be a Victim: Stand Up to Bullies & Stick It to Bullying

Hey there, teachers and parents! Today, we’re going to Stick it to Bullying! As adults who don’t want to see our kids bullied, it's our duty to equip our children with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle this issue head-on. We'll explore what bullying really is, the different ways it can show up, and most importantly, what our students can do if they find themselves or others in the line of fire.

Understanding Bullying:

Okay, let's break it down. Bullying happens when someone repeatedly picks on or hurts another person, and there's an IMBALANCE OF POWER. It's not just a one-time thing; it's a PATTERN of behavior that can take different forms. There are many types of bullying: however, not to overwhelm our young students, I focus on 3 main types seen in our schools. You got physical bullying, which is all about being physically aggressive like hitting or pushing. Then there's verbal bullying, where mean words and insults are flung around. Last but not least, we have emotional bullying, where others use exclusion, manipulation, or even cyberbullying through social media and texts to cause harm.

Empowering Students:

Now that we know what bullying is, let's talk about how we can empower our student superstars to take action against it. Here are some steps they can take:

Spotting Bullying: We want our students to be able to recognize bullying when they see it. So let's chat with them about different scenarios and examples to help them understand the difference between harmless teasing and harmful behavior.

Speak Up and Reach Out: We want our students to know that they don't have to face bullying alone. Encourage them to reach out to trusted adults like teachers, parents, or school counselors. Ask them who is YOUR trusted adult? Remind them that support is just a conversation away!!!

Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander: We all have the power to make a difference. Encourage our students to stand up against bullying when they witness it. They can directly intervene or find an adult who can help. Practice and rehearse common situations they might find themselves in. Let's show them that their actions can change lives!

An Activity that Sticks: "Stick it to Bullies" Bumper Stickers

Share the Purpose: Talk to the students about why it's so important to take a stand against bullying. Get them thinking about powerful messages they'd like to share.

Get Artsy: Gather up some art supplies like paper, markers, colored pencils, and stickers. Let the students unleash their creativity and design bumper stickers that catch the eye and spread awareness.

Show and Tell: Give everyone a chance to share their designs with the class. Encourage them to explain the meaning behind their creations and foster empathy and understanding. Then, let them proudly display their bumper stickers in the classroom or school hallways to spread the word.

Teaching our students about bullying and empowering them to make a difference is a game-changer. Remember, we're all in this together, and every student can make a difference. Let's create a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect that goes beyond the classroom walls. So, let's stand tall, ”Stick it to Bullies," and build a brighter future where bullying has no place. Together, we've got this!