October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time for schools, organizations, and individuals to raise awareness about bullying and the role we all play in making a difference.
Burton Glen Charter Academy brought in Jeff Wheeler, owner and Master Instructor of Double Dragon Tang Soo Do, retired Flint police officer, and author of "Where is Adam", to offer advice to third- through- sixth-grade students.
Wheeler travels to various schools and offers an Anti-Bullying Prevention Program. This program equips and educates students with the necessary skills to avoid bullying and the physical violence that often accompanies it.
“The students found Master Wheeler to be very entertaining and knowledgeable, said Shelley Smith, student and family liaison at Burton Glen Charter Academy. “He had their undivided attention and kept them on their toes by picking certain students for demonstrations. He also used examples and language that the students could relate to.”
Wheeler taught students “The 7 Strategies to Defeat a Bully,” which are tactical ignore, confident look, engage in humor, peaceful threat, higher authority, don’t be a bystander, and stand up. He also discussed the different types of bullying: verbal, physical, cyber, and social.
“It’s so important to empower our students and let them know they have a voice and to create a culture that does not tolerate bullying,” said Smith. “We want our students to feel safe and loved. If we create this type of environment, they will have the passion and focus to learn and grow into successful adults.”
For resources and more information on National Bullying Prevention Month, click here.