Trinity Christian hosted a presentation today where anti bullying expert, Paul Coughlin introduced ‘The Protectors’ program which is aimed at encouraging students to stop bullying in its tracks when they see it. Coughlin has traveled across the nation as well as internationally for the past 12 years to spread the message.
“We are largely about getting that concerned bystander and turning them into an alongside-stander or a protector,” said Coughlin. “Studies show that they are the ones with the most potential power to diminish bullying, more than the teachers.”
Coughlin expressed a lot of his personal trials and experiences with bullying during the presentation. He said unfortunately a lot of the students in schools that are considered popular or well liked are the ones who bully the most. The basis of his presentation focused on the ‘roles’ the students can play, as Sheeps, Wolves, and Sheep Dogs.
“I was horribly bullied myself at school and at the home,” said Coughlin. “I know what its like to not want to live another day and I also know what its like to have a great life.”
The program also acknowledges the unique role that social media plays with bullying in the hands of young people in this day in age. Coughlin encouraged the students to keep an eye out for hurtful posts, and to hold fellow students accountable for their actions. Trinity Christian Counselor, Shannon Powell said that over the years at different schools she has seen students suffer from social media bullying.
“You watch their grades drop, they social isolate, their mood changes, its hard to watch.” said Powell.
