UT Stands Up to Bullying in Schools
Name-calling, exclusion, and physical and emotional violence at school have resulted in heart-wrenching stories about teen suicides and school shootings. To help put an end to the devastation bullying causes, The University of Toledo is implementing a bully prevention program in local schools and incorporating bully prevention curriculum into the Judith Herb College of Education’s courses for future teachers to use in their classrooms.
Lisa Kovach, PhD, associate professor of educational psychology at UT, decided to create the Preventing, Eliminating and Erasing Rejection in our Schools (PEERS) program after watching the Columbine massacre. Her research into teen suicides and school shootings uncovered alarming similarities of relentless bullying.
Dr. Kovach and her students at UT are employing the PEERS program in several northwest Ohio elementary schools. “Since bullying typically starts at a young age, the program targets elementary school students, staff and parents in an effort to stop the problem before it has a chance to grow,” she says.
PEERS teaches kids that each person is worthy of respect and to embrace differences among classmates. “By creating a human connection, bullies often realize that their actions can deeply affect their victims,” says Dr. Kovach. “In addition, other students are more likely to stand-up for those being victimized.”
Dr. Kovach’s research into cyber bullying is also being integrated into the program. “This phenomenon is perpetuating because bullies don’t have to look their victims in the eye and see the immediate repercussions of their actions.”
As Dr. Kovach continues her research into bullying, her and her students at UT teach kids about the destruction bullying can cause. They are also training teachers, parents, bus drivers, nurses and other staff how to prevent and intervene.
If you would like more information on the PEERS program or want to get involved, please call (419) 530-2048.
