We are now in the third month of the "Paws Against Bullying" in the La Mesa/Spring Valley middle schools.  We are working with four schools, each school is visited one time a month.  The curriculum for this program is set to develop awareness of bullying, understanding of how to recognize bullying, how to get protection when bullying occurs, and how to prevent bullying. 

The program has been overwhelming to me.  The kids are open, aware of bullying, and welcoming of techniques to deal with, stop, and prevent bullying.  Of course, having Romeo-the standard red poodle-as part of the program-has only added to the impact.  He seems to make the setting more comfortable, open, and accessible to input and feelings from the kids.  Even kids who have been afraid of dogs are open to him.  He is loving and accepting and the kids enjoy having him part of the program. 

We have done the awareness, the definitions of bullying, the dealing with who is bullied, who is the bully, and some of the causes of bullying. Each school now has a "Bully Prevention Tree" and leaves for messages about bullying to put on the trees.  Again, the kids are amazing and so open to doing this and full of ideas for the leaves.  In addition, the participating students have gotten their  "Bully no More" bracelets and appear to be wearing them proudly.  

 I am seeing many kids who are coming from homes with a lot of stress and dysfunction, and overwhelming problems due to what is going on in our society today,  Sometimes, just being given a chance to talk about "stuff" helps alieve tension and stops problems from accelerating.  We have begun to use the card games, and, again the  response is much more than I had even anticipated.  These kids are open and caring and full of energy to harness against bullying.  They are the way to stop bullying in schools.