16 Oct Be Strong Believes Getting Help is the Greatest Sign of Strength
October 2024 is National Bullying Prevention Month. Importantly, with school faculties short on time and resources but welcoming much-needed support to address productive ways to counter bullying and connect students to mental health support, Be Strong’s Resilience program, free + anonymous Be Strong App, and Bullying Prevention Checklist is here to help. The resilience program can be instructed at school or home, by teachers, parents or students as young as 12 years old. The comprehensive program is offered at no charge. The app can be downloaded in the app store.
Bullying prevention and anti-bullying efforts over the past decade have not resulted in a reduction in bullying. In fact, bullying, cyberbullying, suicide and hopelessness among youth are on the rise. Be Strong’s mission is to reverse these trends by equipping and empowering youth to ignite a change in peer behavior. To date, Be Strong’s approach has proven to be effective.
The revolutionary eight-week program was created by Be Strong. It is authored by renowned nationally certified school psychologist Israel “Izzy” Kalman and co-authored by Dr. Jenny Peluso and Percival Longworth. It is presented by Jay Shetty, and Jessie Funk.
This evidence-based program is composed of step-by-step lesson plans, 31 videos, activities, thought-provoking breakout sessions, and teaches proven ways to reduce bullying, gain emotional maturity and independence, and build resilience.
“In today’s fast paced and digitally engaged culture, it’s not always easy to find access to resources that help teach our young people to be resilient,” said Ashleigh Cromer, Be Strong’s CEO and Louisville native. “One of our goals at Be Strong is to utilize relationships, technology and best in class resources to ensure schools and families can find information, immediate help, training and tools that support and protect our children.”
According to Kalman, the program’s author, children learn emotional responses to both positive and negative situations from parents and guardians, educators and peers. Adults must take responsibility for what they are teaching young people, whether consciously or subconsciously. Adults set the example for the ways in which young people will act, react and manage relationships throughout life.
“We need to provide effective instruction in how to cope when people treat us badly, because it’s going to happen,” explained Kalman.
The Be Strong App unites access with choice with saving and improving lives. You’ll find resources, local support (basic needs and ongoing care), intervention & programs that strengthen mental, emotional & relational health. People in crisis need to know where to get help, and you can help with the Be Strong App.
Young people flourish under the right conditions. A healthy, positive school climate is paramount for them to understand and reach their full potential, both personal and academic.
However, social aggression or bullying can disrupt school climate, negatively affecting students’ senses of emotional, social and physical safety. The Be Strong Resilience Program helps students develop independence, resilience and meaningful relationships.
“I have been bullied from a young age,” said one 14-year-old named Joshua who participated in the Be Strong Resilience Program. “After learning the program, I have a clear understanding of how to navigate social aggression. Just because someone has an opinion doesn’t make it a fact. And most of the time when kids are bullies, it’s because someone is bullying them.”
To learn more, get help and join the Be Strong Movement visit www.bestrong.org