Bullying Prevention Month at Aaron 30th Street
October is known in schools all over the world as National Bullying Prevention Month. Every year, Aaron School has been fully committed to this initiative, and this October was no different. Students have been engaging in meaningful conversation during their related services classes, and participating in activities designed to promote kindness, confidence, and empathy within our school community. Our goal has been to help students understand the impact of their words and actions, while giving them the tools to speak up, support others, and navigate social situations with respect.
On October 22nd, Aaron School celebrated Unity Day and joined schools from all over the world in taking a stand against bullying. Students, faculty, and staff wore something orange to symbolize kindness, inclusion, and unity. In addition, our school community contributed to a special Falcon Bulletin Board, where every student wrote a kind message or affirmation on a paper leaf. This visual reminder now hangs proudly in our hallway, representing our shared commitment to uplifting one another and creating a space where everyone feels like they belong.
During lessons on bullying prevention, students explored different types of bullying (i.e., physical, verbal, social, and cyber) and discussed how each one can affect a person’s emotional and physical well-being. Time was also spent in classrooms discussing the difference between teasing and bullying. This was a topic of high interest amongst the student body, and it generated lots of thoughts, ideas, and opinions. By delving deeper into understanding intent, looking for repetition, and knowing about impact, students learned how to identify when behavior has crossed a line, and furthermore, how to recognize when someone may need help.
This month also focused lots of teaching on the concept of empathy. Through reflection, discussion, and interactive scenarios, students practiced perspective-taking and explored how situations might feel from the viewpoint of the bully, the target, and the bystander. This naturally led to extensive conversation about the role each person plays, and how bystanders have the power to become upstanders– someone who speaks up, shows support, or seeks help from a trusted adult.
Throughout the month, classes engaged in roundtable discussions, watched short videos, and participated in role-playing scenarios where difficult peer dynamics were evident in the scenario, and the students had to work through those. Students were encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences only if they felt comfortable, which always allowed for a safe and supportive environment. Each week, students learned a practical social skill that could be applied to their experiences in school and in their lives. Such skills included assertive communication, how to set boundaries, and how to stand up for yourself or others with confidence and respect.
While National Bullying Prevention Month takes place in October, the lessons we’ve focused on are part of the culture we strive for all year long. Kindness, inclusion, and accountability are all hallmarks of Aaron School’s mission. By continuing to help our students build these skills, and reinforcing empathy throughout our building and online, together we create a community at Aaron School where every student feels safe, respected, and valued.
