Helping Kids Thrive

Bullying Prevention

Ninety percent of elementary and middle school students report they have been bullied at some point in school. Nearly 15% percent report being bullied on a regular basis. This means that, on average, two kids in every class, every grade, every town spend at least part of their day afraid.

Whether it takes the form of put-downs, social exclusion, or outright physical fighting, bullying interferes with a child’s right to learn and grow in safety.

Do teachers know effective ways to intervene in bullying situations? Are parents equipped to support their child—on either side of the bullying fence? Are kids practiced in being courageous bystanders? Is the climate in your school or home contributing to the problem or the solution?

HKT offers talks, trainings, and curricula to help you create communities where all kids feel safe and respected. Contact us to learn more.

Staff Development

Bullying prevention works best when the whole school is on board: teachers, administrators, counselors, students, parents, health staff, bus drivers, etc. Interactive and lively, staff trainings run anywhere from 2 hours to a full day. Sample topics:

  • Recent bullying research and case studies
  • Black-eye bullying, social bullying, cyber-bullying
  • Intervention: what to say/do in the moment
  • Effective prevention strategies
  • Getting students on board
  • Working with bullies, targets, bystanders, and parents
  • Diversity work
  • Policies & procedures
  • Counseling & mediation
  • Successful social competency programs
  • Useful resources
  • Specific curricula training in Quit It, Bullyproof, or Flirting or Hurting

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Parent Education

Parents are children’s primary teachers. When tackling bullying at school, it’s essential to get parents on board at home. Parent forums run anywhere from 1-3 hours and cover topics like these:

  • How to “inoculate” kids against meanness
  • Intervention at home: what to do/say in the moment
  • If your child is a target, a bully, a bystander…
  • Putting an end to sibling rivalry
  • Best disciplinary practices
  • When instant messaging turns mean
  • Relational role-modeling
  • Teaching kids to wield social power well
  • Working with other parents
  • Supporting children’s friendships
  • Case studies & role plays
  • “Top 10” resource list

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Student Forums

HKT designs fun, hands-on activities and forums that promote respect and friendship among kids in grades K-12. Sample topics:

  • Character dilemmas & decision-making
  • Being your best (vs. Being the best)
  • Leadership & followership
  • Courageous bystanders
  • Communication roadblocks
  • Assertion vs. aggression
  • Celebrating differences
  • Resolving conflicts peacefully
  • Peer pressure & personal integrity
  • Self-discovery surveys
  • Stress relievers
  • Success trees
  • Fun zones & friendship poems
  • “Getting to know you” icebreakers
  • Activities from Quit It, Bullyproof, or Flirting or Hurting

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Lisa’s training on bullying prevention was professional and precise. She performed as a member of our team and her personal style put our staff at ease. We look forward to many years of working together. Bill Dowie and Chris Taylor, Directors
Camp Sewataro, MA

Did You Know…

When you take “social” or “relational” aggression into account, boys and girls bully in almost equal numbers.

Keep in Mind

As adults, our attitudes and actions set a powerful example for kids. What kind of relational role model are you? Questions to consider:

  • How good am I at sharing, and at giving credit where due?
  • How responsible am I with my anger?
  • How do I treat people who are different from me in some way?
  • Can I be trusted to keep a confidence?
  • Am I honest and direct with those closest to me?
  • When a child watches me, what does he or she learn about resolving conflicts with others?

Resources

Lisa Sjostrom has co-authored four curricula related to bullying prevention: Bullyproof, Flirting or Hurting, Citizenship in Action, and Making Connections. » more information.