River Dell Peer Ambassadors Help Stop Bullying Before It Starts

ORADELL, NJ — Educators in the River Dell Regional School District are using the power of relationships to combat bullying head-on by preventing it before it starts.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and this week is the Week of Respect throughout New Jersey where teachers are integrating more topics designed to foster students' social and emotional well-being, including displaying more sympathy and empathy towards their friends and peers, said James Cooney, the district's director of special services.

There is a peer ambassador program at the middle school where older and younger students interact and foster relationships.

High school students take peer leadership classes that focus on character development and inclusion, Cooney said.

The district has brought in help from outside sources too. Ex-New York Mets and Yankees player Darryl Strawberry has talked to students about this life and struggles, which the district tied into its anti-bullying initiative.

"We're always bringing in people to talk with our parents and students," Cooney said. "It translates well to kids. I think have someone of his notoriety carries more weight than just teachers talking about it every day and I think it is helpful to students."

New Jersey has some of the toughest anti-bullying school regulations in the United States, including the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. Schools are required to report all instances of harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and provide detailed information about their bullying statistics.

THE MENACE OF BULLIES: PATCH ADVOCACY REPORTING PROJECT

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying. Do you have a story to tell? Email us at bullies@patch.com, or share your views in the comments.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com