Bullying Prevention & Mental Health Education
Did you know? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 1 in 5 students ages twelve to eighteen reported being bullied at school. The impact of bullying on the school culture and climate, as well as the mental health of both the target and those who bully, is significant and the need for further understanding of how we can prevent bullying is essential.
Developed with funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health, MHANYS School Mental Health Resource & Training Center has put together a comprehensive series of resources for schools to make the connection between mental health education and bullying prevention, and information and resources for parents, caregivers, and educators to become more involved. We hope you find these tools helpful in creating a safe space in your schools, homes and communities.
The Upstanders: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
October 23, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
We are excited to announce a virtual screening and follow-up panel discussion of the documentary, “The Upstanders,” which delves deep into cyber-bullying, showing the perspectives of those who bully, their victims, and the trauma of the bystander.
Covid-19 has only exacerbated the problem of cyber-abuse, by providing an environment conducive to bullying – one of isolation, anxiety and increased time on screens. The film explores:
- The science behind cyberbullying
- Why kids are afraid to admit they are cyberbullied and what signs to watch for
- How to realize if your child is engaging in cyberbullying
- How the community can show resilience and power to end bullying
Following the Film screening, we will be joined by a panel of experts to answer your questions, including:
– Amanda Nickerson, Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention
– Pat Breux, Suicide Prevention Center of New York
– Barbara Bernstein, MHA of Westchester County
E-Book – Safe Space: Creating a Positive School Culture to Prevent Bullying
The purpose of this publication is to help schools, families and communities identify strategies and resources to create a safe learning environment for all children; one where bullying is not given the opportunity to flourish. Instead, kindness and respect become the mainstays of the school-community culture, replacing the divisiveness that has become all too common in our society.
FIND HERE
Cyberbullying – Webinar & Resources
According to Cyberbullying.org, approximately 44% of NYS students reported that they have experienced cyberbullying at some point in their lifetime. It is critical that schools, families and caregivers, and the youth understand what cyberbullying is, its impact on mental health, and how to help prevent it.
FIND HERE
Cyberbullying Resources:
Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Curriculum
NetSmartz Online Safety Web Series (for Kids K-5)
Helpful resources for adolescents on cyberbullying from Cyberbullying Research Center
Connect Safely
Online Training – Creating a Positive School Culture to Prevent Bullying
This online self-directed training will provide an understanding of bullying, prevention, and its connection to mental health. Additional resources will be provided throughout the training. This course takes approx 1 hour. You can leave and return to the course if necessary. Audio and videos are part of the course so speakers are needed. Finally, at the end of the course, there is a test in order to obtain a certificate.
Coming soon!
Lesson Plan for Youth – Creating a S.A.F.E Space
A Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Guided Lesson Plan designed to prevent bullying in schools through the advancement of SEL skills. In this presentation, students will learn about creating a supportive, accepting, friendly, and empathetic space to promote positive school culture. Throughout the presentation, each focus area is connected to Core SEL Competencies that promote mental health and safety of everyone in the school.
Coming soon!
Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention
Sesame Street videos on Anti-Bullying (for preschool and school-age kids)
StopBullyingNow webisode series for older-age kids
Helpful resources for adolescents on cyberbullying from Cyberbullying Research Center
MHANYS’ Bullying Prevention Project is funded by New York State’s Office of Mental Health:
Special thanks to our Bullying Prevention Project Workgroup:
Amanda Davidson
Communications Coordinator
Families Together in NYS
Amanda B. Nickerson, Ph.D., NCSP
Professor and Director, Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Dawn Bialkowski
School Counselor
Gilboa-Conesville Central School
Deputy Director & Director of Research and Evaluation
Rural Schools Association of NYS
Nicole Bycina
Office of School Climate/MTSS
Buffalo Public Schools
Stephanie Fredrick, Ph.D., NCSP
Associate Director, Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention
University at Buffalo, State University of New York