Houston Schools Launch New “Be Nice” Program for Bullying Prevention
Research suggests even this simple training can have positive effects on school climate
- By Jordan Lutke
- September 24, 2018
Crime Stoppers of Houston has partnered with the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan to launch a program of anti-bullying training in the Houston area, and more than a dozen schools have already signed up.
Children are taught how to notice how others are feeling and behaving, and to invite others to play, by being guided through an action plan intended to empower themselves and others. The goal of the training is to prevent bullying and suicide.
Christy Buck, the program’s developer, says that this training teaches the “stop, drop, and roll” of mental health.
“Ultimately, it’s taking responsibility for myself to be the person that might change attitudes and culture in a school for kindness, consideration, and respect,” Buck said. She also said that learning these lessons early can prevent later behavior problems.
Rania Mankarious, leader of Crime Stoppers of Houston, said that this dovetails with other Crime Stoppers initiatives, which give children the tools to notice when a fellow student is behaving differently, or posting concerning things on social media. The end result of these initiatives is stated to be a “new culture,” centered around kindness and respect.
About the Author
Jordan Lutke is an intern with 1105 Media.