BULLYING: Empowering Our Youth to Put a Stop to It
Authors: Erica Gillespie, Heather LeBlanc, Tiffany Gualandi, Jordan Seay, and Alexia Cothern
Faculty Supervisor: Lydia Watkins, DNP, RN, CPNP
Abstract:
As nursing students, we understand the value in providing education and being proactive to assist with optimal wellness. Through research, we developed a plan to provide education to a group of 6th grade students from Needwood Middle School. We educated the students about the signs of depression and warning signs of suicidal ideations. We also provided thorough education on what bullying is and how to intervene when they witness someone being bullied. After providing education, we had the children participate in some art therapy activities. These activities included a “Bully versus Buddy Poster” where the children identified and listed different characteristics of both a friend and a bully. We also had the children gather into small groups to complete “Empowerment Posters” which were displayed throughout the school.
