UpStander: Stand Up To Bullying initiative

Some problems seem too large and too overwhelming for any organization to tackle on its own. This is clearly the case when we talk about how to reduce bullying in our community. Statistics tell us that many of our kids are feeling unsafe at school because of bullies, and this affects attendance, drop-out rates, and school success. Lack of safety is an increasing concern after school hours as well; there is an epidemic of bullying through Facebook and other social media that has resulted in some young people choosing suicide as the only way to escape their misery.

The shared frustration about what to do about bullying and how to do it has led to a new multi-agency project in Central Florida. The Holocaust Center in Maitland, sponsor of the UpStander: Stand Up To Bullying initiative, has invited other local organizations to be part of an ongoing Summit on Bullying. Representatives from groups as diverse as law enforcement, youth groups, government leaders, religious organizations and school districts began meeting this summer to share information, resources and strategies. Together, they hope their efforts can reach every child and provide both adults and children with effective tools to safely intervene.

The Anti-Bullying Summit on October 27, held at the Holocaust Center, focused on creating safe spaces for children. Summit facilitator Barbara Thompson of the UCF Office of Diversity Initiatives stated that the number one concern of future teachers is how to handle classroom discipline, particularly bullying. She also reported that a recent survey indicated that in an Orange County survey 82% of children who witnessed bullying wanted to do something about it.

Officer Karen Long of the Orlando Police Department, who serves as a middle school Resource Officer, presented an overview of the current situation in schools she works with. She recommended that organizations access the Crimeline “SpeakOut” program where individuals can anonymously report issues in school ranging from weapons to bullying to truancy. Because all reports are anonymous, it is easier for students to talk about what they experience or witness without worrying about repercussions.

Attendees discussed other resources and strategies that are available. The goal, according to the Holocaust Center’s Executive Director Pam Kancher, was working together to make each organization’s programs more effective.