At Drama Kids International, we are passionate about the anti-bullying movement, which is evident with our ACT UP! to Stop Bullying initiative. Why are we so determined to help bring an end to bullying? Because we know the impact it has on kids!
Bullying is linked to a multitude of negative outcomes, including impacting a child’s mental health and leading to substance use or even suicide. Not only can bullying impact those who are bullied, but it can impact those who observe it and those who are the bullies.
Children who are bullied can develop depression, low self-esteem and health problems, and perform poorly in school, while those who witness bullying can become fearful, feel powerless to act, and then experience guilt for not acting. Children who bully others can be more likely to go down a less than ideal path, which may include stealing and vandalizing property, getting into fights, drinking or smoking, and performing poorly in school.
We already know that between one in three and one in four students have reported being bullied in a school environment, but up until lately, we did not fully understand how long those actions can impact their mental health. Fortunately, researchers in the UK have found that while the impact of bullying is severe, it isn’t necessarily permanent.
These researchers confirmed that being bullied at a young age can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression but saw that the effects lessened or disappeared over time. That is great news for victims of bullying, but still – knowing that the effects can be so serious when bullying is occurring is even more of a reason to want to prevent bullying altogether!
The seriousness of bullying is something that is well-known throughout the country, and in the United States, 43 states have enacted laws and policies to help protect children from bullying.
Drama Kids International is dedicated to the anti-bully movement and is proud to offer ACT UP! to Stop Bullying workshops at schools throughout the country. These workshops are designed to help students understand the different forms of bullying, learn about the different roles they can play when bullying occurs and help model good behavior!
Would you like to learn more about this initiative or find out how to bring it to your school? We’d love to have the chance to discuss it with you! Reach out to the Drama Kids International location near you today!