Chicago-area nonprofit, The Bully Police Squad, is doing its part to prevent bullying. By using real-life examples, the organization provides teachers, parents and students of all age groups, ethnicities and backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the effects of bullying and social cruelty.
One of its many programs is called the Bully Box, which is a box placed at a school in which students can submit bullying incidents anonymously. The Bully Box is a great way to give teachers and educators a better idea of what’s going on both inside and outside of the classroom.
Karen Wojcikowski, president of The Bully Police Squad and a local Chicago police officer, recently shared the following tips on bullying:
If you see something, say something.
If you witness an act of bullying, report it.
Keep notes and write down any incidents.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for The Bully Project, email Karen Wojcikowski at KWojcikowski@thebullypolicesquad.com or Wojocop21@aol.com.
Bring the lessons about bullying home
“The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark” by Debbie Diesen is a part of the Pout-Pout Fish book series which includes six hardcover adventures and five mini adventures. The book is a great tool that makes the topic of bullying easier to discuss because it features examples of bullying. (Mr. Fish and his friends are bullied by Mr. Shark.) It also has several messages for children on how to tell someone when they see things that are wrong, how to find their inner voice and how to know that they can make a difference by just speaking up.
If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of “ The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark” you can do so by visiting your local bookstore or an online retailer, or stop by Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville on Sept. 10 to meet author Debbie Diesen who will be hosting a book signing.
If you go
Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m.
Anderson’s Bookshop Naperville
123 W Jefferson Ave.