Statistics show the cumulative effects of bullying cause serious psychological damage that can set off events like those at Columbine and other schools, she said. People are only now learning some of the consequences of bullying. Instead of whining to a teacher, someone being picked on is taught how to stand up straight, look the bully in the eye, give him a quick one-liner and walk off. A confrontation handled quickly, even though the child might be really frightened inside, can diffuse a tense situation. Children are also taught that there is strength in numbers - to get together to stand up for themselves and squelch bullying behavior.
Teachers learn how to reign in bad behavior without looking at the kids as being bad.
Snuffing out these unacceptable actions now can have a positive effect in the future. Currently five of Winfield's six schools participate in the program. Once McPherson initiates the program, it's up to teachers, like Irving Elementary's Kathy Wohlgemuth, to keep the ball rolling. Wohlgemuth, a home school specialist, is one of the people in charge of continuing Irving's bully prevention program. Home school specialists serve as a kind of a liaison between home and school.