Harris Teaches ‘How to be an Upstander”

A Lunch and Learn session on “How to be an Upstander” drew 44 students to hear Senior Counselor Candy Harris – dressed as a heart for Halloween – give tips on standing up for others when they are bullied or excluded.
She first offered tactics for being inclusive: Invite people to sit with you. Expand your friend circle. Partner up with new people in class.

Mrs. Harris then listed four upstander strategies to use – but only when it’s safe to do so. (“Do not put yourself in harm’s way,” she said.):
  1. Be present: When you see bullying, racism, sexism, hate, etc., show the aggressor that the target has a friend. Be a friend to the victim in that moment.
  2. Distract: Interrupt the aggressor, perhaps by introducing yourself or asking a question not related to the situation.
  3. Step in: Tell the aggressor that their behavior is not right. Draw attention to the situation.
  4. Get help: Tell a trusted adult about the situation to get appropriate help for all involved.
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