October 31, 2013 at 2:10 p.m.
Be part of the solution
By Brooke Bechen-bbechen@thedodgevillechronicle.com
"What's that?" I asked her.
"Be a buddy, not a bully!" she exclaimed as she thrust her arm into the air.
It seems that every day I read something about bullying in the national news.
One in seven students in grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of a bully.
Fifty-six percent of students have witnessed bullying at their school.
Seventy-one percent of students report these incidents of bullying as a problem at their school.
Luckily, I believe there is a solution. And I believe it starts right at home and in communities all across America.
First, I am not a parent but I have learned plenty from my parents. I'd like to think they shaped me into the person I am today by teaching me to be respectful and to treat others kindly. One day when I have children, I will teach them the same.
Parents, community members and leaders today need to step up and teach the importance of being a buddy, not a bully, to children of all ages. In turn, these children need to enforce and pass this positive message on to their friends and peers.
One way parents and community members can spread this positive message is through Dean Health's Buddy Project.
"Bullies don't stand a chance when we all stand together," a message on their website states.
There is also a link to order Be a Buddy, Not a Bully wristbands, like the one my three year old friend was wearing. If you are a Wisconsin resident, Dean will send wristbands and pledge cards free of charge after completing a simple order form on their website.
I will be wearing my Be a Buddy, Not a Bully bracelet every time I visit an area school. I have chosen to spread this positive message and be part of the solution, not the problem.
You can be part of the solution too! Visit www.deancare.com and search Time for Kids: The Buddy Project to learn more about the program. Receive a wristband and wear it proudly, spreading the message through your pledge to Be a Buddy, Not a Bully!
