After the horrible news of the shooting in Winder, Georgia, I prayed for a way we can finally help put a stop to bullying.  I was beyond upset, and couldn't sleep much that night.  It is my first year back to full time teaching after a ten year break due to a severe chronic illness.

The next day, while I was doing the active intruder drill practice, I explained how being prepared can help calm anxieties.  I told the students very briefly what happened, knowing they all knew by now.  While my class was sitting along the wall for their quiet time, they started asking me questions about the shooting the night before among other related questions.  ​

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In the midst of all of their fears and concerns, the idea was just there.  I started explaining to them how bullying is a common denominator in every school shooting I knew of.  I asked them how we can stop the bullying that causes students to "snap", or students to make permanent decisions about how to deal with it.  I asked them if they could stop a bully with just one word in a calm tone, would they do it?  The middle school class said YES!  

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This led to the word BOUNCE!  I didn't have to think about it, the word was just there.  The idea was taking over as I continued to talk to the class.  If they ever hear a peer getting teased, ridiculed, or bullied, they have the power to stop it.  Just say BOUNCE, and they change the subject.  If the peer being teased wants it to end, they can also say BOUNCE!  Anyone can!  There is power in numbers, and if you give students the tools necessary to bring about a change they will use it.

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We started BOUNCE in all of my classes as the day progressed.  The students were on board and excited about the potential.  The next day, I had a more solid plan.  I presented it to the first three classes of the day.  They were also excited about having a solution.  Over the past two weeks, the idea has sprouted, and been used more times than I can count!  I am SO VERY PROUD of my middle schoolers!  They get it, are utilizing BOUNCE properly, and stopping put down, teasing, and unkind comments of any kind.  If you give a child a solution, they will use it and do it well.​

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When you empower a child, you give them the skills necessary to have a voice when they may not have known how to stop the bullying before.  If they have ever been uncomfortable in a social situation, they now have the understanding of how to speak up and change the subject.  

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We also brain-stormed other subjects to talk about after I heard girls in the cafeteria say BOUNCE at their lunch table and then stumble to find a quick subject to talk about.  I was right there, so, I quickly started rattling off ideas for a discussion topic.  They all smiled and chose one.  

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With baby steps, a concrete plan, and plan of action, every student in my class is now equipped and empowered to make a lasting change.  This week, gossip has bombarded our halls, and we talked about how BOUNCE can help stop damaging gossip as well.  

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Even adults in the workplace can implement this simple plan.  Every one of us is put in an awkward situation at times, but, we can stop the emotional damage if we just keep our eyes and ears open as we go about our day.  

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If you need a video, flyers, a business card template for students to carry, please see "How Can We Help?".  Every file is free to download.    As the non-profit grows, it is my dream to get donations so other schools can purchase a quick start plan for their school.

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No child should ever feel unworthy, insignificant, or oppressed in their school.  I pray we can finally put an end to the put downs, teasing, bullying, and gossip for good!

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~Peg Kleve

Senoia, GA