The 5th and 6th grade students culminated January/February Character Ed classes with "The Power Of One" anti-bullying program on Friday, February 11th. The students have experienced the significance of "bystander" behavior in a bully situation. Bystanders can be helpful or harmful. Students (as bystanders) have learned and are encouraged to move physically nearer the individual being targeted. In addition, the training requests "bystanders" to encourage the targeted individual to join the bystanders while also telling the bully to stop the wrongful acts. The last step in supportive bystander behavior is to report the incident to a trusted adult as soon as possible.
It is helpful if the adult receiving the bully report intervenes immediately so the bystanders realize their efforts are being taken seriously. It takes much courage to confront mean-spirited acts and report them. Students need to see responsive adults in their presence.
Bystanders who choose to remain silent, ignore the relational aggressive behavior and/or cheer bully's on are extremely harmful to situations. This type of behavior can empower the bully.
At Riverdale, relational aggression is not okay. We are building a culture of respect. This requires all of us to recognize mean-spirited behavior and confront it immediately.
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