IT'S TIME TO ACT UP!
At Drama Kids International, we are passionate about the anti- bullying movement, which is evident with our ACT UP! to Stop
Bullying initiative. Why are we so determined to help bring an end to bullying? Because we know the impact it has on kids!
Bullying is linked to a multitude of negative outcomes, including impacting a child’s mental health, and potential substance use or even
suicide. Not only can bullying impact those who are bullied, but it can impact those who observe it - and those who are the bullies.
Children who are bullied can develop depression, low self- esteem, health problems, and perform poorly in school. Those who witness
bullying can become fearful, feel powerless to act, and then experience guilt for not acting. Children who bully others can be more
likely to go down a less than ideal path, which may include stealing and vandalizing property, getting into ghts, drinking or smoking.
We already know that one in four students have reported being bullied in a school environment, but up until lately, we did not fully
understand how long those actions can impact their mental health. Fortunately, researchers in the UK have found that while the impact
of bullying is severe, it isn’t necessarily permanent.
These researchers conrmed that being bullied at a young age can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression, but saw that the
effects lessened or disappeared over time. That is great news for victims of bullying. But knowing that the effects of bullying can be so
serious, is even more of a reason to want to prevent bullying altogether!
The seriousness of this issue is something that is well-known throughout the US. In this country, 43 states have enacted laws and policies
to help protect children from bullying. Drama Kids International is dedicated to the anti-bullying movement, and is proud to offer ACT
UP! to Stop Bullying workshops at schools throughout the country. These workshops are designed to help students understand the
different forms of bullying, learn about the different roles they can play when bullying occurs, and help model good behavior!
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