P.E.A.C.E. Against Bullying

P.E.A.C.E. Against Bullying is a proactive initiative intended to ACTIVELY interrupt harmful and violent behaviors. It is our intentions to be committed and engaged in the process of prevention and intervention. Through our initiative, we will offer educational workshops, materials and resources such as supportive educational services, restorative circles, and be a safe haven for our youth. Matthew 5:9 says  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”.  If a peacemaker is to be called a child of God, we should want to be one. To be one, however, will take some work. The beauty of this compound word is that it mashes up the word peace with the word for doing or practicing. It is ACTIVE.

What is Bullying?   Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among, but not limited to school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may encounter long term effects.

The term Bullying can be considered an umbrella term for many other harms and violent behaviors against persons. Domestic violence, racism, gang violence, abuse and neglect, and other negative acts against humanity can also fall under the category of bullying.  Bullying can be prevented, especially when the power of a community is brought together. Community-wide strategies can help identify and support youth who are bullied, redirect the behavior of children who bully, and change the attitudes of adults and youth who tolerate bullying behaviors in peer groups, schools, and communities.

Effects of Bullying   

• Students who experience bullying are at increased risk for poor school adjustment, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and depression. (Center for Disease Control, 2015)
• Students who engage in bullying behavior are at increased risk for academic problems, substance use, and violent behavior later in adolescence and adulthood. (Center for Disease Control, 2015)
• Students who are both targets of bullying and engage in bullying behavior are at greater risk for both mental health and behavior problems than students who only bully or are only bullied. (Center for Disease Control, 2015) 
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Long Term Effects of Bullying1. According to scientific evidence, bullying can cause depression and anxiety and suicidal tendencies. 2. Bullying causes physical problems in adulthood. Research has proved that if your body is subject to systemic, chronic inflammation, you are at risk of suffering from illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes in adulthood.3. The ‘toxic’ stress caused by bullying in childhood can be damaging in adulthood. Our bodies are able to cope with a certain amount of stress but prolonged, strong and frequent stress in childhood has far-reaching effects in adulthood.

Get Involved

Parents, Educators, and Children & Community Leaders Partner with us today and be empowered against bullying! We have an obligation to protect the well-being of our youth in every aspect. 

Parents support youth impacted by bullying behaviors and can also help bullies change. Parents of bullies can build a balance of structure and emotional support, and hold young people responsible and accountable for their actions; Educators (Teachers, Administrators, and 

Community Leaders) set consistent limits on bullying behavior, build positive relationships, support targets of bullying, and help bullies change. Children can find ways to bring peaceful peer pressure to bear on bullies; tell adults what they see; and reach out to targets of bullying.