For some children, the lessons in school aren't the kind parents hope for. There is fear of name-calling, sneak attacks, and being shoved in the hallway.
In Central Square, a state trooper has designed a program to cure the pain of bullying, by helping students, stamp it out.
When State Trooper Raeann Hickok talks to kids about bullying, she makes sure, they're all on the same page.
In order to stop it, Officer Hickock makes sure they have a good definition of bullying and the great harm it can do.
Kyle Rogers: “If you don't talk about it, some kids are going to get bullied.”
Chelsea: “It helps people be aware of it, because some people, they're afraid to tell anyone.”
Hickock: “In our generation, it wasn't publicized, much like everything else, I think it's in every school district, not a major problem, but it's there.”
To find out where it happens, and how often Officer Hickok conducted a survey of middle school students.
According to the survey, it doesn’t happen most often in the bathroom, playground, or school bus, but right in the hallways.
Hickock: “There were a few kids, and this was an anonymous survey. They do mention they were bullied, so we try to help them”
To stop the cycle, Officer Hickock encourages students when they see mean-spirited teasing, to report it. She encourages them, to turn to her.
Hickock: “I talk to kids on a daily basis, not just about bullying, they tend to open up, and let me know, that's how I'm feeling.”
Officer Hickok's program also includes training for staffers, and bus drivers. New findings about the long-term effects on both bullies and victims have made addressing mean behavior a priority for schools.
