Did you know that one in seven kids in grades K-12 is either a bully or has been bullied? While this is an alarming percentage, so is the fact that there are approximately 2.1 million bullies in American schools.
A sixth-grade boy from Vancouver in 2013 showed up to school armed with a handgun and kitchen knives to protect a friend from bullying. According to Clark County school administrators, 40 students were suspended for bullying in 2011-12. Bullying harms one’s sense of safety and there is a correlation between bullying and poor grades. We need a movement that attacks bullying at its core.
Challenge Day is an event that uses workshops and activities for students to express love and acceptance to one another. I propose that local schools put on an event like the Challenge Day organization’s (http://www.challengeday.org/), only more regular and where all students have the opportunity to participate. This event should be monthly and include team-building activities. This event would require community members to plan, volunteer and donate a little time and money. If community members would be willing to contribute, this event could be possible and a significant help to our students.
Anna Boneski
Washougal
