When school was in session earlier this month, students at Neil A. Armstrong Middle School in Bristol Township took part in a program to improve their relationships with peers.
The nonprofit Network of Victims Assistance (NOVA) brought their Interpersonal Relationship Prevention Program to the middle school. The program worked with students to promote positive attitudes and actions that create a caring environment.
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“Armstrong’s School Counseling Department was thrilled to have NOVA once again share their important knowledge with our students about how to be an ‘upstander’ and respond to bullying behavior that they may encounter,” said Karla Davis Jones, school counselor.
Students learned new skills when it comes to bullying behaviors through interactive activities and videos.
“NOVA representatives explained that children may engage in bullying to feel powerful and in control of a situation. If students have trouble learning and focusing in school, they may lack a sense of control, which they may direct outward through aggressive acts. Teaching empathy and giving them the tools to prevent bullying can help decrease bullying behaviors,” the school district said in a statement.
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Pattie Cavalli, NOVA education and awareness prevention coordinator, said the students appeared to appreciate the impact bullying can have on victims, bystanders, and on the entire school community.
“Hopefully students will look for opportunities to be ‘upstanders’ and supportive of their peers using the 3 ‘D’ model — direct, distract, delegate — that was presented,” Cavalli said.
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