ISM implements nationally recognized anti-bullying program.

In response to research indicating the long-lasting negative effects of bullying, The International School of Minnesota (ISM) has implemented the school-wide ‘Olweus Bullying Prevention Program’ to educate their community and create a positive and safe environment in which to learn. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is the most researched and best-known bullying prevention program available today. It has received high honors from the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The goal of the program is to adjust the school environment, through staff, parent and student involvement and education, to change the norms around bullying behavior, and to restructure the school setting so that bullying is less likely to occur or be rewarded.

A key element of The International School of Minnesota’s mission is to prepare students for the future by strengthening ethical and moral values. Bi-monthly class meetings during advising periods are used to emphasize grade-level appropriate points using research based character development curriculum. These class meetings are also an integral component of the Olweus model and are held regularly to build class cohesion and community, to problem-solve, and to help students understand their role in bullying situations.

ISM began implementation of the program in March with a screening for students and parents of ‘Finding Kind’, a documentary that follows two women traveling across America to expose the truth behind bullying behaviors. The students were also invited to add their most outrageous socks to their uniform for Sock Day, to show their willingness to “Stomp Out Bullying” and to sign a pledge agreeing not to bully others, to try to help students who are bullied, to include students who are left out, and to tell an adult if they know that someone is being bullied.

 “Before the program it was easy for students to think and say ‘bullying never happens here’, now I’ve noticed that many of the students take bullying much more seriously. Students are more aware of the casual things they say and do that could hurt another student and try to avoid them,” said Marcus Pobloske, Student Management Coordinator at ISM.

 The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is designed as a long-term program to affect change in student behaviors throughout their time in school and beyond. Through this ongoing process students learn how to create a more inclusive and positive environment for everyone.