Teaching kindness in schools is essential to reduce bullying
What works and what doesn’t?
According to a study published in the Journal of Criminology, anti-bullying programs have negative effects and can make bullying worse instead of better. Researchers found that for a bully prevention program to work it must change the school climate. This means changing values and expectations of youth, teachers, and school administration.
Articles based on psychology and science
Creating a happier school environment is a good thing. Science says that happier students:
Here are things Builders Club members can do at school to increase happiness.
Organize a school Employee Appreciation Day. Honor the people who make a difference in your school community that don’t usually get recognition. Janitors, cafeteria employees, secretaries, school nurses, and counselors.
Change the school cafeteria into a coffee house. Set-up a small stage in one section of the cafeteria. Promote the coffee house ahead of time and schedule guitarist, ukulele players, etc. to sit and play nicely during lunch while everyone eats. Make posters to post around the cafeteria giving it a coffee house look. Put thank you notes and messaging on each of the cafeteria tables.
Leave your handprint. Cut out paper handprints. Distribute these to students and ask them to write down how they hope to leave their handprint (make a difference) in the world. Post all the handprints on a prominent wall at school, using painters tape to adhere the hand prints.
Create happy announcements. Use the helpful information you learn in the Project Happiness Handbook to write informative messaging to be included in with morning announcements each morning. Tips to help students begin their own happiness journey.
Start a Circle of Happiness. Download a free Circle Kit from the Project Happiness website and start a Circle of Happiness at school or in the community. These materials will help you discover proven ways to thrive and grow sustainable happiness habits. Helpful online resources make inviting others to participate easy.
Learn about the science of happiness. Visit the LG Experience Happiness to learn why happiness is important and what we can do to bring greater happiness to self and others. Practice activities that nurture sustainable happiness.
Celebrate the International Day of Happiness. Join the world in celebrating the International Day of Happiness on March 20. Here are more suggestions of ways club members can participate.
Culture of Care Initiative
Our student leaders are our No. 1 ally and resource in creating world-class experiences within Kiwanis Youth Programs. Our Culture of Care initiative provides students with the training and resources to be leaders in their school in preventing bullying, reducing incidences of violence, understanding healthy relationships and personal boundaries and more.
Erika’s Lighthouse Metal Health Resources
Partner with a Key Club in your area to bring helpful resources to your club and school including mental health resources from Erika’s Lighthouse, an organization that empowers students to change the world by providing mental health resources teachers can use to educate young people about adolescent depression.
Share Bully Prevention & Culture of Care Videos with Club Members
Students
Cyberbullying
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