FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stop Bullying program launched by 6th Graders

WHO: 17 sixth-grade students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Michigan City, Indiana are launching their Hey, Stop Bullying program school wide. This group of amazing tweens is part of the Stop Bullying Task Force, organized by Hey U G L Y, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping tweens and teens overcome self-esteem and bullying issues.

WHAT: The task force will have each student in the school take the Hey, Stop Bullying pledge they wrote. One by one students from St. Stan's will approach one of the task force members, raise their right hand and say "I promise to stop bullying and respect others feelings." Then, on a 50 foot banner, each student will draw an outline of their hand and sign their name proclaiming their solemn oath. Task Force members will administer their Hey, Stop Bullying pledge to every student in the school. One by one students from St. Stan's will approach a task force member, raise their right hand and say "I promise to stop bullying and respect others feelings." Then, on a 50 foot banner, each student will draw an outline of their hand and sign their name proclaiming their solemn oath. Following this kick-off event, the Task Force will launch a school-wide essay and art contest on the effects of bullying. They will also give advice to St. Stan's younger students about how not to bully and conduct three self-esteem and diversity-building activities. Most important, the Task Force has vowed to be good role models.

WHEN: DATE: Wednesday, May 13
             TIME: 1:30 p.m. CST

WHERE: St. Stanislaus Kostka School Gymnasium, 1506 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN

WHY: Bullying is a huge issue facing students today. The task force wants to eradicate bullying in their school and act as an example to other schools across the country.

ABOUT: In March of 2009 the students became members of the Hey U G LY Stop Bullying Task Force. Together they delved into bullying. What is it? How can we stop it? How can we help others? Following are some of their discoveries: The main causes of bullying are: The bully is being bullied, Insecurity/low self-esteem, Displaced Anger, Feeling left out, Peer pressure, Revenge, Depression and Feeling Scared. Bullies have low self-esteem and need to make someone else feel small in order to feel better about themselves. Since bullies pick on other students with low self-esteem, it is important to feel good about yourself and stand up to bullies to let them know you cannot be controlled or hurt by them. They suggest asking the bully this important question: "Who is it that is treating you so badly that you have to be mean to me?" The Task Force understands that most bullies are being bullied themselves. They advise any student who fears for his or her safety immediately report their concerns to a teacher or counselor at the school. They want all students to "watch out for each other by going to the aid of anyone you see being bullied. Go with them to talk to a teacher and tell them what you saw."

Hey U G L Y is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering teens and tweens with self-esteem and diversity-building programs, content and tools to help them counter bullying, eating disorders, violence, substance abuse and suicide. (UGLY is an acronym for Unique Gifted Lovable You.) Hey UGLY has helped over 650,000 students through their work with schools, community organizations and youth development professionals.
 
 

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