Preventing Bullying at South Woods Middle

Sixth-graders at South Woods Middle School in the Syosset Central School District took part in an ongoing effort to educate students about the effects of bullying and what they can do to prevent it during a workshop on Nov. 8.

Susan Silverman, an educator from Child Abuse Prevention Services, engaged students on several topics related to bullying and how bystanders can make an immense difference. Through role playing, writing activities and critical discussions, the sixth-graders reviewed the consequences and effects that bullying can have and how everyone has both an individual and collective responsibility to their peers.

The program seeks to raise awareness of actions that constitute bullying, emphasize the concepts of empathy and courage, activate the “silent majority,” teach students to take personal and collective responsibility for bullying, and empower students with strategies to respond to incidents. 

Prior to her visit, all sixth-graders watched a video that addressed the issues of gossiping, bullying and harassment. The video depicted real-life situations that students face and provided strategies for dealing with those issues.

The program emphasized the tenets of the statewide Dignity Act, which, according to the New York State Education Department, mandates that schools provide students with “a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.”

Tell us, do you see bullying as a problem in Glen Cove schools? How do you think kids should deal with bullying? What is the place of parents and educators?