Training
Training for Schools
ONLINE training is NOT sufficient and is ineffective.
Qualitative training MUST include in person, customized training for each town/district. Educators/staff must be able to ask specific questions and work through how to handle examples of what they are seeing in a way that is effective. One effective program is listed below in Resources.
Training must be modernized and address the online and social media elements of bullying. What has been done in the past is NOT working. These children are facing a whole new world that we must address.
In the days after Lily's suicide, someone who is part of the office staff was overheard stating that they were bullied as children and survived, and "these kids need to toughen up." This is a clear example of how out of touch many people working in schools are about the radically different world kids face today. They need to be trained, they clearly need to build their own compassion and empathy, and they are likely discriminating. The person who said this is widely known by students as picking favorites, discriminating against any LGBTQIA student and creating a hostile environment in the office - thus adding to the problem of kids not feeling safe to report.
TRAINING RESOURCES:
MindUP
Mindfulness programs are proven to be beneficial to everyone. In schools they effectively reduce bullying and many other behavioral issues. In addition they are a critical part of improving school cultures, fostering greater self awareness, respect, responsibility, kindness, managing stress and resiliency. Being tied to understanding our emotions and the brain, they are easily supported and imbedded in cross-curriculum content such as science class. This company offers excellent training and support services at a price that is feasible.
The Trevor Project:
This is an organization doing critical work in suicide prevention specifically for LGBTQIA youth.
CARE Training – The Trevor Project
Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network:
This is the best site for data, information, policies, surveys and many other tools for schools, students and parents. ALL schools should be heavily utilizing this resource.
Grey Matter Consulting:
Offers inclusive and effective consulting/training/educating for businesses, schools, organizations, and communities. ABOUT | Crafted Leadership
Stand 4 Kind
Offers excellent personalized training nationwide around issues of bullying, suicide prevention and campaigns for kindness - often free to schools.
Gender Spectrum
Offers excellent training in understanding gender identity for professionals working with youth and how it affects their work.
Professional Development and Training - Gender Spectrum
KiVa
This program has been proven to be 98% effective. It is not yet in the US but we can ask for it. Contact your state suicide prevention coordinator, congressperson, bullying.gov and ask that they bring it to the US!!
Research article about the efficacy of this program:
Successful anti-bullying program identified by UCLA | University of California