In an effort to teach kids to be kind to one another, and to reject bullying behavior, Hamilton Place kicked off “Malls & Retailers Unite Against Bullying” last week in association with National Bullying Prevention Month. The event aimed to encourage discussion on how individuals can take an active stand against bullying behavior.
As part of “Malls & Retailers Unite Against Bullying,” Hamilton Place challenged K–2 teachers in Hamilton County to create posters featuring student handprints together with positive messaging. The “Handprints of Friendship” posters will be on display in the mall through October.
Hamilton Place also invited the public to pick up and sign an anti-bullying pledge by visiting the Tourist Information Center, located on the upper level of the mall, near Sears.
Studies show that bullying causes serious social and emotional problems for children, including depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Without intervention, bullies also suffer. As adults, they commit more crimes, use more mental health services, and have a higher risk of alcoholism. Recent high-profile bully cases resulting in suicide have prompted schools to adopt stronger anti-bullying policies.
It is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. Also, one in seven students in grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of bullying. Finally, 56 percent of all students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school.
Bullying can take many forms but usually includes hitting and pushing, slurs and put downs, spreading rumors, exclusion, and harassment via texting or the Internet.
Source: Hamilton Place