Countering Harassment and Bullying in Middle Schools
Why is Countering Harassment and Bullying in Middle Schools Important?
Across the country, bullying and harassment are disrupting schools and devastating students’ lives. ESR helps middle and high schools create peer education programs to counter these problems and help improve the climate for all students’ healthy development and learning. Through this initiative, students train other students to respond effectively and peaceably to bullying and harassment and become allies to other students who are targeted. Staff members learn strategies for preventing these problems and for intervening when they see or hear inappropriate behavior and comments. Parents learn ways to support their children if they are harassed or participate in bullying.
How can the Countering Harassment and Bullying Program help my school?
ESR helps middle and high schools address the critical problems of bullying and harassment, and create school environments that are safer, more respectful, and more conducive to learning for all students. A 2001 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that nearly a third of U.S. students in grades 6-10 report that they are bullies, victims of bullies, or both. This problem can dramatically affect students’ psychosocial development and academic progress. Targets of bullying and harassment experience long-lasting negative emotions such as shame, fear, and anxiety. Aggressors are more likely to get involved in subsequent anti-social behavior.
The Countering Harassment and Bullying Program will lead to: greater recognition by staff and students of bullying and harassment; increased empathy for those targeted by other students; greater willingness among students to take a stand and interrupt bullying and harassment directed toward themselves and others, challenge instigators and bystanders, or talk with an adult; increased skillfulness among staff to intervene when necessary; a decrease in incidents of bullying and harassment; and an increase in feelings of safety and security among students.
What do I get with ESR’s Countering Harassment and Bullying Program?
When you work with ESR, you’ll get innovative materials and experienced consultants who guide you through the stages of setting up a successful peer education program. We’ll help you assess the climate at your school, including the specific dynamics related to bullying and harassment, and think about how other school initiatives which are already underway can complement your program. We train a carefully selected cross-section of students along with a program coordinator and small group of other adults who will help support the program. They will explore the nature of safe and healthy friendships and learn ways to deal effectively with peer pressure and stop rumors. The group will learn what constitutes bullying and harassment. They will examine its sources and dynamics, including the different types of bullying and harassment that people face, from gender and sexual orientation, or race and ethnicity, to size and looks. They’ll gain confidence and skills for becoming an ally who interrupts bullying and harassment rather than a bystander or an instigator.
After two days of training for the staff and two days of training for the adults and students together, the students will be prepared to make a series of presentations to their peers throughout the school. Presentations can take place through a variety of forums including health and PE classes, social studies and language arts courses, and advisory groups. In addition, we will work with the entire staff to consider other ways that adults can help improve the climate in the school and build a culture of respect. We’ll also make presentations for parents about what they can do to respond to bullying and harassment and to inform them about the peer education program.
With the Countering Harassment and Bullying Program, you’ll receive:
- A climate survey and focus groups with staff, students, and parents followed by an introductory meeting with an ESR consultant to assess these issues in your school and create an implementation plan
- A half-day workshop for the entire school staff to learn about the peer education program, gain strategies for preventing bullying and harassment and intervening when it occurs, and identify other ways of contributing to a safe, welcoming and respectful culture
- A two-day training for a program coordinator and five to eight staff program sponsors, followed by a two-day training for 20-30 students and the adults
- Parent presentations about bullying and harassment
- Follow-up sessions with an ESR consultant to observe and provide feedback to the student peer leaders and meet with the staff who work directly with the program to help plan and problem solve about its implementation
- An ESR guide on Promoting Respect and Preventing Harassment for the staff involved with the program and training packets for students and staff program sponsors
To find out how a Countering Harassment and Bullying Program can serve your school or district, call us at 800-370-2515 ext. 19 or fill out the form below to have us contact you about a customized quotation for our services.
