Important: There will be a “Wear Orange Day” on Friday, October 25th. Everyone (ES, MS, HS, faculty) is encouraged to wear orange, the official color for bullying prevention month, to school!
Did you know that 1 in every 26 students are bullied in Japan? This is just from the statistics for reported bullying cases, and many victims of bullying have a fear of reporting and talking to others, afraid that it may lead to worse outcomes. October is the month of bullying prevention month. Bullying Prevention Month aims to raise awareness and take action about bullying, to ensure that students of all ages can have a safe and fun learning environment. So what exactly is bullying, and what is St.Mary’s doing for bullying prevention month? An interview was held with the three high school counselors, Ms.Marwood, Mr.Brown, and Mr. Polley.
The definition of bullying, according to Mr. Brown, the high school counselor, “is mean or unwanted behavior that is repeated and intentional, and the person it’s happening to hasn’t been able to make it stop. It is one-sided and unfair in perceived power”. According to Ms.Marwood, one of the most common cases of bullying these days is cyberbullying. Ms.Marwood said that the most effective way to prevent this is to “keep your profile private on social media. Keep it private! Turn off the comments!” Posting photos/videos with your face in it, “open up more eyes to criticize”. Mr.Polley also emphasized the importance of “thinking before you speak, and everyone is going through something we don’t know about”. When writing something online about sooner, it could cause a misunderstanding. There is also a schoolwide anonymous bullying reporting form on Google Forms, which is accessible from QR code posters, around the school. The form will be kept confidential. How can parents ensure that their child is happy and safe at school? Mr. Polley encourages “parents to socialize with kids without devices,(dinner), it creates a conversation built-in.” He encourages parents and students to make this a “routine”, where parents and students can do something collaborative (eating dinner, walking your dog, playing sports, etc) together without devices. Mr. Polley said “It’s a great way to build conversational moments. They encourage ways to routinely and regularly talk to their family member.” Talking and spending time with your parents enables you to enjoy talking to someone face to face, rather than being on your device the whole time.
Being a catholic school, A Prayer for Bullying Prevention Month is held every Monday to raise awareness schoolwide. There is also a banner near the school entrance with a pledge “At St. Mary’s International School, I pledge to recognize, refuse, and report bullying. I will be courageous in standing up for myself and others, fostering a supportive and kind community for all”. Students can freely sign their names on the banner, to spread awareness, and encourage others to take action. Elementary schoolers made posters on kindness, inclusion, and acceptance to spread more positive action and words. For high school, the school aims to spread awareness during Thursday’s advisory classes, where students can discuss and learn about bullying.
While October is the month for bullying prevention month, it is important to always be an active bystander every day and to be nice to everyone. Think before you speak and act. Be a buddy everyone, not a bully!
