Liz's Class Notes

The senior learners participated in an anti-bullying workshop conducted by the LGBT Network this week.. This interactive workshop defined bullying as aggressive, unwanted, and repeated behaviors toward others that involve a real or perceived power imbalance. The kids were asked to work in groups to describe instances they witnessed bullying either in real life or in film, to come up with reasons why bystanders may not get involved when witnessing bullying, as well as ways that one can stand up for those who are bullied.

The workshop leader highlighted the potential long-term effects of bullying on victims, witnesses, and perpetrators. The session also shed light on the New York State Law, DASA, a crucial legal tool that mandates the reporting of all inci- dents of harassment, bullying, and/or discrimination. This law, which covers a wide range of factors including race, color, weight, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, and sex, plays a significant role in protecting students.

The senior learners welcomed the opportunity to discuss their views on bullying and cyberbullying. The workshop was well-received by the students, and everyone came away with one or two possible approach- es to standing up for someone being bullied.