A program in Central Indiana will teach anti-bullying techniques to more than 30,000 schoolchildren.
Social Health Association CEO Tonja Eagan says the “Step Up For Kindness” campaign stresses a number of skills useful in preventing or stopping bullying, including kindness, empathy, good character and helping someone if they’re being bullied.
National statistics suggest as many as 25-percent of kids are bullied at some point and 1-in-20 bullying victims drops out of school as a result.
The program will take place over two years, during which time an independent contractor will benchmark its success. If it’s judged to be a good investment, it could be expanded statewide.