But what I did last year was on a small scale. To wipe out bullying, the whole school, adults and students, must work together. This is my goal for this next year; to work with our guidance counselor to advocate real change. Teachers and principals need to stop turning a blind eye to bullying or excusing it away because there has always been bullying. It’s a little like saying that there has always been cancer so why bother trying to find a cure. I sure wish I could get someone like you in to motivate the staff. Do you have any suggestions as to how I make this a school-wide issue and get everyone on board?

I appreciate and agree with your point of view on bullying. I have been speaking to children in classrooms and assemblies for 5 years about their words and actions, addressing the character of students as well how best to respond to bullying. So much of bullying programs focus on the victims, little is done to actually fix the problem. The problem lies in values not in reacting to children with bad values.

All this said, I am a full time martial arts instructor, 6th degree black belt with a full schedule of public speaking and teaching classes to children and adults ages 3 and up. Many are surprised on my approach, thinking most responses will be physical. Although I am well trained in physical responses, the solution lies in changing the atmosphere of schools, focusing on values such as mutual respect and tolerance.

Thank you for the work you are doing.

I am at a loss. I am screaming at the top of my lungs in defense of my son, but I only receive a pat on the head and a push on my back to get me out the door.

This was a very long way to say that I think you can tell kids to report bullying and what do when it happens, but if the schools don’t find a better way to deal with the bully (by workshops and education…not just punishment) then this is going to continue to grow.

So glad to hear from you and thrilled to hear how well things are going with the Anti-Bullying program. Thank you for the information.

To me, and as I can tell, for you too, it’s clear that schools need an entire philosophy to help create a foundation of respect throughout the year. The students in your area are particularly fortunate because they have a whole town looking out for them– using both the Olweus program as well as Powerful Words and positive martial arts (not to mention the expertise of many including yourself). More towns need to do the same!

In addition, it’s true, that teachers, parents, students, and staff need to be on board. Teaching and training one without the others misses the point entirely.

Most educators are agreeing that 1 hour is just not enough–it needs to be a full philosophy.

Thanks for offering your information-

Best regards,
Dr. Robyn

As you know, I work (I’m actually a board member) of a non-profit community group that desires to promote healthy youth. One of the prevention programs that they offer is the Olweus Anti-Bullying Program. This program has been scientifically proven to be effective in reducing bullying in schools. The towns nearby that have implemented the program have shown great results (The group tracks results).

I also provide EZ Defense classes to many of the local schools to provide the children with skills that have been shown to be effective in handling bullying situtations when confronted, and it is a frequent part of our classes.

I think that a short answer is that one session is not enough and the training needs to be brought and tailored to all the different parts of the school: Teachers, support staff, executive staff and students.

Respectully,

Andrew

More information about Olweus can be found here: http://www.clemson.edu/olweus/

It’s an honor to be thought of as a champion and a thrill to have you come by to visit. Please come by again!

Warmest regards,

Dr. Robyn