Massachusetts middle school students fight bullying with fun activities

By Staff Writer

Students at two Massachusetts-based middle schools have utilized their creative talents in an effort to reduce bullying.

According to the Bridgewater Independent, several student groups have organized a series of events to raise awareness about the negative effects of bullying in school. One of the projects is an anti-bullying video, in which kids are serving as the scriptwriters, producers, camera crew and audio technicians.

Another collection of students - along with the help of teachers - recently led Mix It Up week, which featured events that promoted inclusion in order to break down barriers and reduce tensions among kids. In addition, they conducted an experiment in the cafeteria, in which students were randomly assigned at tables to sit with different classmates, according to the media outlet. Each table had cards that suggested topics of conversations for the adolescents.

Kids also participated in a "cross the line" event, where kids were asked different questions about their personalities and their past bullying experiences. They were asked to take a step forward or back, depending on whether they agreed or disagreed. Dave Thompson, the principal of the middle schools who took part in event, told the news provider that kids were crying and hugging each other because the questions broke down social barriers that had previously destroyed friendships.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, nearly 30 percent of youth in the U.S. are involved in bullying, either as a bully, target or both.