- What is bullying?
Bullying is intentional, repeated hurtful acts, words, or other behavior by one or more children against another. Bullying can be physical or psychological and occurs repeatedly over time to create an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse.
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- It seems that there is an increasing prevalence of bullying in schools – what is the problem?
Bullying used to be confined to the school yard. The advances in technology have increased children’s ability to bully, and so the problem has been magnified. In the past, a bullied child could find refuge from bullies once he made it home. Now, with the internet, children can bully, or be bullied, around the clock. There is also anonymity through the internet, and sometimes parents and teachers are unable to catch the bullying done behind closed doors.
That is why the PeaceBuilders program is so beneficial to schools. It is an all encompassing program that changes the entire culture of schools to peaceful, productive places. That culture extends to the children outside of school walls as well.
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- Why are prevention programs needed?
I think we have seen and heard enough about the tragedies that happen when preventative steps are not taken. We shouldn't expect kids to know 'how' to make friends, apologize, or negotiate conflict; we need to 'teach' them how. PeaceBuilders teach children simple strategies for everyday problems.
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- How does PeaceBuilders work?
PeaceBuilders works by being proactive in addressing risk factors such as violence, bullying, and drug and tobacco use. With bullying, we have a defined problem, and the PeaceBuilders program has been clearly designed to combat bullying early. By instilling PeaceBuilders peaceful practices in to children’s everyday lifestyles, cultures change.
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- Who is PeaceBuilders designed for?
PeaceBuilders is created for the young child, child, pre-teen and teen. The PeaceBuilders journey begins as early as preschool and continues throughout elementary, middle and high school. PeaceBuilders message stays consistent at home, school and in the community with instructional delivery at appropriate developmental levels.
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- How does PeaceBuilders create a different culture and climate?
PeaceBuilders is an all inclusive school climate program creating peaceful learning environments, decreasing violent and disruptive behaviors and increasing positive, respectful and thoughtful behaviors. A common language and high expectations become school norms.
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- What do you see as the overall societal problem with bullying?
Bullying is often looked at as a normal part of growing up. PeaceBuilders was designed to change that. Bullying behaviors can be indicators of future aggression and violence. Implementing bullying prevention programs creates a peaceful culture that helps students feel safe and allows them to focus on learning.
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- What leads children to violence and bullying? What can be done to stop the cycle?
Bullying thrives in schools where faculty and staff do not address bullying, where there is no policy against bullying, and where there is little supervision of students—especially during lunch, bathroom breaks, and recess. Stopping this cycle is simple. Bullying prevention programs are proactive in the fight against bullying. PeaceBuilders is an inclusive school-climate program creating peaceful learning environments, decreasing violent and disruptive behaviors and increasing positive, respectful and thoughtful behaviors. A common language and high expectations become school norms.
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- What type of data shows that prevention programs like PeaceBuilders works?
PeaceBuilders is a research validated program. The PeaceBuilders program aims to reach kids at an early age. Youth violence can be reduced by initiating prevention early in childhood, increasing children’s resilience and reinforcing positive behavior. PeaceBuilders increases rewards and praise for daily good behavior. We praise behavior we want repeated. Repeated positive social behaviors becomes good habits, and good habits become healthy lifestyles. With a systematic plan to increase daily praise and reward for positive behavior in schools and other places in the community significantly we can reduce youth crime.
The PeaceBuilders program policies, practices, and process objective have been validated through scientific research published in Psychological Bulletin, Journal of Behavior Analysis, American Psychologist, Journal of Social Issues, and many others.
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- What are the benefits of using PeaceBuilders?
There are a multitude of benefits associated with using PeaceBuilders. PeaceBuilders has been proven to decrease aggressive and violent behavior, reduce suspensions, and reduce referrals and disciplinary action. PeaceBuilders increases attendance, improves tests scores and academic achievement by creating a welcome and safe environment where children can focus on learning.
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- How much does PeaceBuilders cost?
PeaceBuilders creates a custom implementation plan based on site-specific factors, so prices vary. In 1996, a PeaceBuilders school-wide implementation cost approximately $11.85 per student. Now, in 2011, a PeaceBuilders school-wide implementation costs approximately $13.25 per student. That is less than a 9% increase over fifteen years.
Cost analysis has shown that schools will recoup $4 for every $1 spent on PeaceBuilders through reduced absenteeism, suspensions, and other costs due to aggressive, violent behaviors. PeaceBuilders is the right investment for your school and community.
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- Where can I find funding for PeaceBuilders?
There are a variety of options when seeking funding for PeaceBuilders. PeaceBuilders is a federally funded program so start by looking for funding allocated to your school or district through Title VI, Title V, and other programs. Another option is to look to your local organizations and members of your community such as philanthropists, local businesses, and law enforcement. Finally, apply for a grant either through your community or a private grant.
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- How do I find out more information about PeaceBuilders?
To find out more information about PeaceBuilders, check out the rest of our website at peacebuilders.com. Also, feel free to talk to a local PeaceBuilders school. PeaceBuilders is a national program, so there might be a school near you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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