Resource Discovery: Shield Up! How Upstanding Bystanders Stop Bullying

By: Jason M. Jowers, MS

Bullying is an ongoing problem that impacts children and youth on a daily basis. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property in the last year and bullying is also the most commonly reported discipline problem in public schools [1].

What can we do to help turn the tide of bullying behaviors? First, we must be aware of the different types of bullying. Bullying is not always physical and includes verbal bullying like name-calling and teasing. There is social bullying that involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships like spreading rumors and embarrassing someone in public [2]. Also, cyber-bullying falls into the realm of social bullying.

Second, finding great resources can be beneficial that can provide strategies to stop bullying in its tracks. Stop Bullying.gov is fantastic resource that provides trainings and prevention techniques for service professionals, parents, and teachers. Most of their strategies focus on collaboration between mental health professionals, parents, and the school system to engage the larger community on bullying prevention.

One great resource on how kids can implement change in their own schools is the book “Shield Up!: How Upstanding Bystanders Stop Bullying” by Marcella Marino Craver [3]. Illustrated as a graphic novel, this book is an example of how bullying can happen and how it effects individual kids and their peer groups. The ultimate takeaway is what to do when bullying behaviors happen and how kind actions can change those behaviors. The book also includes a reader’s note where you can learn strategies for standing up to bullying behavior and how to practice kindness.

It is important to understand the impact that violence such as bullying, teen dating violence, and school shootings have on youth. Be sure to watch this archived OneOp FD webinar from last year entitled “Polishing Our Protective Shields: Exploring Ways to Protect Youth from Violence.” CEU opportunities are still available.