The Be ONE Project takes a novel approach to middle school bullying by addressing the underlying problem: the school culture that allows bullying to thrive. The Be ONE Project challenges youth not only to be kind but also to be positive role models who hold others accountable to be kind, thereby harnessing the power of peer pressure toward inclusiveness rather than exclusiveness. The Be ONE Project’s core program is ONE Day, a community-building, peer-to-peer antibullying program for students in grades 5–8. This three-hour program of games, activities, presentations, and guided discussions offers a nonjudgmental opportunity for introspection and change, and empowers students to create for themselves a school environment free from physical, verbal, and cyber bullying. The Be ONE Project’s programs are free to schools and community organizations.
For students, a positive connection to at least one school adult—whether a teacher, counselor, sports coach, or other school staff member—can have tremendous benefits. Educators can use the Relationship Mapping Strategy from Harvard University’s Making Caring Common project to ensure that every learner feels known and supported.
Children and teens are bullied in schools all across the country, including many Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth who face unique cultural, religious, and language barriers that can keep them from getting help. The nonprofit Act To Change empowers students, families, and educators with the knowledge and tools they need to help stop and prevent bullying in their communities.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and October 10 marked World Mental Health Day. To help schools address these important issues, Impero Software has created a freely downloadable ebook, Supporting Student Mental Health and Safety During Remote Learning.