The BuddyGuard system evolved as a compassionate response to what could most effectively be done to help kids NOW, as soon as possible, to foster awareness, individually, and as a group, to contribute through and empower through input, coping strategies and action regarding bullying both in our schools, and in our communities.
The idea of a group action to teach, practice and evolve a compassionate and protective "big brother/big sister" through role-play seemed a natural progression.
The BuddyGuard system was originally designed as a student-driven entity, targeted for responsible students in Grades 6, 7, 8. The BuddyGuard system is of the kids, for the kids, to empower themselves individually, and as a team, by not only increasing their awareness of these issues, but also to foster a sense of compassion for the self, and others, along with social responsibility, cohesion, inclusion and community, in which we have respect for our diversity, as we meet as a peer group to practice what works, on "common ground."
The BUDDYGUARD system specifically protects younger kids from bullies while they are at school by having the older kids in grades 6, 7, and 8 act as a stand-in, like a big brother or big sister. It also offers younger kids that are being bullied, or are at risk, the caring protection and presence of an older "big brother," or "big sister," their BUDDYGUARD, while they are at school.
They can also come to their BUDDYGUARD if they are having problems, such as being at risk on the way home from school.
As part of the BUDDYGUARD SYSTEM, and this would also apply to interested community and other groups, that within a working peer-group setting, cooperative group meetings would be developed, by the kids, in order to discuss, learn, teach and PRACTICE WITH EACH OTHER, individually, and as a group, through role-play, different strategies and creative ways and means in which to enable, activate and encourage each other. I feel it is also ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT to encourage the BYSTANDERS to work constructively together as a group to take the power AWAY from the bully, and put it where it belongs, behind the PEOPLE. This could be done through PRACTICE, that is, through role-play, in a peer-group setting, for example, by GATHERING AROUND THE PERSON BEING BULLIED, in a show of solidarity, strength, and human compassion.
Because bullying needs to STOP. NOW! And, it ALL STARTS with YOU!
What to do about bullying.
* TELL, TELL, AND KEEP ON TELLING.
* PRACTICE what you want to say.
* Keep a note, diary or journal of WHAT is happening, and WHEN.
* Don't give up trying to help.
* Ask your parents to visit the school.
* Talk over what to do with your parents, a teacher, or your friends.
* Remember that teachers HAVE TO LISTEN CAREFULLY when a child tells them about being bullied.
Bystanders CAN help!
" A friend in need is a friend in deed."
* Don't try to take the bullies on yourself, it might not be safe.
* Let a teacher or other adult know what is happening as soon as possible.
* Try to be a friend by supporting the person being bullied. One way to do this is to gather YOUR friends around the person being bullied.
* REFUSE to join in. Just DON'T DO IT!
* Walk AWAY. REFUSE to encourage and support the bully by NOT being an observer.
* Sometimes you just can't sort it out by yourself. Ask an adult for help.
How to give an assertive verbal response.
* DECIDE to be assertive. You can practice this by yourself, or with a group of your friends orclassmates.
* Stay CALM. Losing YOUR temper only supports and encourages the bully to continue acting out.
* STAND TALL, and use assertive body language. This can be practiced with a group of your friends or classmates through role-play.
* LOOK DIRECTLY at the bully to keep his/her attention. Use a STRONG CLEAR VOICE.
* Use the bully's NAME to keep his/her attention.
* NAME and DESCRIBE the BEHAVIOUR that is bothering you.
* Tell them to STOP. Set a LIMIT, and SAY WHAT you want the bully to DO.
* REPEAT the last two steps to get and keep the bu;;y's attention, or to make you statement more assertive.
* PRACTICE your response(s) and action(s) with a group of friends or classmates using your imagination and visualization through role-play.
