An Overview of ‘Zero Bullying: Whole School Program’

In connection with the World Anti-bullying Day on 26^th February, 2014, the Counseling and Supportive Instruction Unit of Oakridge Newton Campus conducted a month-long bully prevention program with many awareness initiatives for students, staff, and teachers.

The school psychologist, Dr. Shakila Naidu, and student advisors, Pooja Rajkumar, Kavya Kaza co-ordinated the activities with the Supportive Instruction teachers. The ‘Zero Bullying: Whole School Program’ commenced on 11th February and continued till 28th February for the Junior School.

Anti-bullying Assembly for Grade 6

‘Zero Bullying: Whole School Program’ was kick started by an assembly conducted by the Grade 6 students. The theme of the assembly was “Say NO! Be a Mirror!” The students presented a song with a message to spread love and happiness amongst everyone instead of being a bully. A play was also put up that taught the children to be a mirror for the bully.

Awareness Session for Grade 2

An awareness session was held for Grade 2 students on ‘What is bullying?’ and ‘Who is a bully?’ The students were also explained what they can do in a bullying incident.

‘Draw a bully’ face mask competition was held for the students to complement this session. 

Awareness Session and Competition for Grades 3 and 4

An awareness session was held for the students of Grades 3 and 4 on 

‘Psychological effects of bullying.’ A 'Bully Buster' rhyme/slogan competition was held for the students on the same day.

Assembly for Grades 4, 5, and 6

An assembly was conducted for the students of Grades 4, 5, and 6. The students were shown a video ‘Cathartic Voices’ made by Oakridge Counseling Unit on the emotional consequences of bullying on students.  

Dr. Shakila Naidu introduced the students to the “Anti-bullying Wall.” Two drop-boxes were also put up next to the “Anti-bullying Wall.” The purpose of the “See it, Stop it, Report it” drop-box is for students to report incidents of bullying.  The other drop-box “Safe School Best Idea Competition” is for ideas from students and staff for making the school a bully-free zone. 

Awareness Session and Competition for Grades 5 and 6

An awareness session was held for the students of 5th and 6th Grades. The focus of these sessions was on cyber bullying. Cyber safety was another focus of this session.  

A ‘Bullies Out’ poster-making competition was also held in which the students were required to make posters that promote the message of Anti-bullying in groups of six.

Anti-bullying Rally

On 25th February, the Counseling and Supportive Instruction Unit held an Anti-bullying rally with the help of the students from Grade 6. The purpose of any rally is to draw as much attention to the cause as possible. The students wearing sashes and holding placards with Anti-bullying slogans on them walked around the school yelling slogans such as “Take a Stand, Lend a Hand” and “Say No to Bullying.”

Assembly for Grades 1, 2, and 3

The Counseling and Supportive Instruction Unit conducted an assembly for the students of Grades 1, 2, and 3. The students were also shown a video that answered important questions regarding bullying such as “Is there something wrong with me?” and “what to do in situations of bullying, as a victim and bystander?”

Meeting of the Bully Prevention Alliance Staff and Anti-bullying Squad Students

The Anti-bullying alliance included members of the Anti-bullying squad i.e. Junior and Senior School students, senior management team,  coordinators, and team leaders, prefectorial board, and members of the administrative staff.

During the meeting, the students of Grade 5 put up a skit and the students of Grade 11 performed a song.  The Anti-bullying charter was explained and signed by the members of the Anti-bullying alliance. Badges were also distributed to the members of the alliance. The prizes for the winners of various competitions were also given to the students by the Principal Capt. Rohit Sen Bajaj, HM Mrs. Hema Sanjay, and Vice Principal, Mrs. Hema Chennupaty.

The ‘Bully, Bullied, and Bystander’ Exhibition

This Exhibition on 28th February  displayed  bullying  prevention awareness posters for teachers, parents, and students related to bystander response,  while  showcasing the activities  conducted during the ‘Zero Bullying: Whole School Program’ in the school.

Awareness Sessions for Oakridge’s School Security Staff and Ayahs

An awareness session was held for the security staff and ayahs on March 1. The session focused on explaining about student bullying, what their immediate response to a bullying incident should be, the way to record, and importance of reporting to their supervisors.