Summer Staff Learn How to Handle Kids Who Bully
Bullying can have a profound effect on children and a community, whether it occurs on the way to school, on playgrounds, or away from the eyes of adult supervision.

The YMCA Resource Center of Delaware has been offering anti-bullying programs in Delaware schools since 1998 and now has “Handling Bullies Effectively” programs for youth grades K-12. They were developed in response to the harmful long-term effects of bullying and the need for more positive school learning environments. The programs are research-based and provide youth tools to deal with bullying. This year, for the first time, the Resource Center began offering bully prevention programs to camp counselors and at summer day camp sessions at Hanby Outdoor Center.

The programs are “hands on” and empower youth with skills and resources to avoid becoming victims. This training provides youths their first opportunity to discuss the seriousness of bullying and to realize they can develop skills to handle bullies effectively.
This year, the State Assembly passed House Bill No. 7, to establish the Bullying Prevention Act, requiring schools to “provide a safer learning environment for students attending public schools, including charter schools.” This bill requires the schools to establish a policy on bullying prevention with requirements that include developing a bullying prevention program and reporting bullying to the Delaware Department of Education.
For more information about Resource Center programs, call (302) 571-6975