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RICHMOND — Cache County Schools are trying to stop bulling at school by rolling out a bully prevention program at all of their elementary schools this month. They spent years researching and testing the best ways to stop the mean behavior at an early age.
Recess at Park Elementary in Richmond may not look like your average playtime with the structured games, like outdoor bowling. Principal Jacqui McDowell says that group activities help kids to play nice and leave less idle time for bullying.
"Having activities available for kids helps them to learn to play together," McDowell said. "I have to be out monitoring in the school and on the playground."
She also says stamping out any mean-spirited behavior takes a constant effort.
"If we don't stop it now, it's going to continue through their lives when they become adults," McDowell said.
Park Elementary was one of three pilot schools that took on a bullying prevention program last year that is now being introduced district-wide.
"It's our responsibility to create that feeling of safety," said Jack Robinson.
Robinson is the district's student mental health director, and he is in charge of rolling out the program made possible through a federal grant.
One part of the anti-bullying campaign is a children's book. 'The Juice Box Bully' plays a major role in teaching kids that bystanders need to step in and help.
"I think we need to step back from the whole bullying concept, and ask what is the real motivating force behind it," Robinson said.
One part of the anti-bullying campaign is a children's book. 'The Juice Box Bully' plays a major role in teaching kids that bystanders need to step in and help.
"It sort of empowers the kids with a knowledge that they can prevent this awful event from happening," Robinson said.
Students are asked to make their own posters, put on plays, and even sign a pledge saying that they'll help everyone be nice.
Administrators say this 10 point plan is something that kids should have on their minds virtually every day.
"We realize it's something that we can't just do one time, and then forget about because it's always going to be an issue," McDowell said.
The month of October is anti-bullying month, but the district wants to make this a year-round initiative.
