As part of the Project SAFE curriculum, the students in the upper division in Magen David Yeshivah have focused on learning the proper skills to conquer and eliminate bullying. Through lessons in the classroom, and with special programming, the students have learned the effects of bullying and the skills to stop and stand up to bullies.
Unfortunately, bullying occurs in every school. The essence of all of our dreams and efforts, is to develop not only the minds, but the hearts and souls of our students, as well. The We program and the supplemental anti-bullying programs are to ensure that our children reflect the finest of Torah values and practice real life middot (values)that change the world, said MDY Principal Rabbi Dr. Baruch Hilsenrath.
Many think that bullying means to physically harm another person. While that is the case, there are many other ways that another person can display bullying. Verbal and cyber bullying are just as damaging, and those words, texts and postings can never be taken back from the victim. Peer pressure, the bystander feels, also plays an important role in stopping the bully. Students learned the importance the role of the bystander can make. Through the Project SAFE curriculum in the classroom, the 7th and 8th grade girls have learned about different forms of bullying, and have created different projects to help convey the damage bullying can cause.
Thank you to Shira Berkowitz and to Arthur Brounstein, Director of Special Programs at the SAFE Foundation, for playing an integral part in our childrens education. Please visit the SAFE Foundation website www.thesafefoundation.org for more information. If you would like to contact SAFE, please call (866) 569-SAFE or email ask@thesafefoundation.org.
If you are being bullied, there are many healthy ways to deal with a bullyhere are some examples:
1. Tell a friend. Make sure you tell someone who will work to help you.
2. Tell an adult or teacher. Most bullying happens when there are no adults around. The adult has the authority to stop the bully.
3. Tell your parents. Your best advocate can be right at home, so dont be embarrassed to tell your parents. Their goal is to help you.
4. Leave the situation. If you are in danger, stay calm and get away as quickly as you can.
5. Stay in a group. Bullies generally stay away when people are in groups.
6. Ignore the bully and walk away. Bullies like getting a reaction and if they dont get one, often they will give up.
7. Speak loudly. Bringing unwanted attention to the bullying situation might stop the bully from hurting you.
8. Stand up for yourself. Look the bully straight in the eye and say leave me alone. Bullies do not expect people to stand up to them and this act is often all it takes to get them to stop.q
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Randi Shomer is a mother of four children, a community member, and a freelance writer.
