Safe Schools Week Resources

When talking with your students use this handout. Everyone needs to know the difference between telling and tattling. Review these in classrooms and place them on the wall to refer to every now and then.  (KCSS Handout)

The Stopbullying.gov site has content for both kids and adults: Twelve animated webisodes (1-2 min) on how kids deal with bullies at their school (with discussion questions); bullying games; facts about bullying for kids; videos on how to deal with bullying; and what kids can do if they see bullying. Digital Awareness for Parents – StopBullying.gov – The digital world is constantly evolving with new social media platforms, apps, and devices, and children and teens are often the first to use them. Some negative things that may occur include cyberbullying, sexting, posting hateful messages or content, and participating in negative group conversations

Cyberbullying Fact Sheet: Identification, Prevention, and Response – Cyberbullying Research Center – Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. W. (2020). A guide to help educators/parents/guardians spot cyberbullying be respectful and show kindness to everyone during this transitional time. This fact sheet also addresses how to respond appropriately.

Present a unique and comprehensive approach to preventing youth violence by targeting the root causes of bullying and other forms of social cruelty. It exposes the cultural expectations that teach young people to humiliate and dehumanize others as the way to achieve power and respect, then challenges them to transform this dynamic. A CD is included for a nominal fee.

Students in grades 2-5 can use these activities to practice skills in resolving conflicts with bullies and help them think critically about logical resolutions. Teasing is Tough – Get children to talk about how it feels to be teased. Work together to create coping strategies, in this activity from Arthur. (PBS Learning Media)

The Ned Program school-wide character education program centers around a 45-minute assembly called The NED Show. NED is a loveable cartoon character whose name is an acronym for Never give up, Encourage others, and Do your best. Teachers love that NED is simple, relatable and kid-focused.

This handout addresses online “Threats at School.” Many students are not aware of the fact that all social media acquire and log “IP addresses” even Snapchat. This is a handout to help you explain how law enforcement can obtain anyone’s personal information from any of these apps. Then law enforcement can find the offending student and press charges. The student who creates, reposts or sends the fear-provoking material will suffer the consequences of this felony. (KCSS Handout)

NEA – “The teachers who are naturals in promoting civil behavior never raise their voices … they insist on training kids from the very beginning. They make enforcing good behavior a habit, and students have a very clear notion of where their boundaries are and respond to them.”

Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc. (KASAP) – Green Dot is an evidence-based primary prevention program designed to teach participants safe ways to intervene in situations of bullying, dating violence, and sexual harassment and assault. The program includes two components: the Overview Speech and the Bystander Training.

StopBullying.gov – Someone who witnesses bullying, either in person or online, is a bystander. Friends, students, peers, teachers, school staff, parents, coaches, and other youth-serving adults can be bystanders. With cyberbullying, even strangers can be bystanders.

StopBullying.gov – Bullying can have significant mental, developmental, and social effects, which is why it is a public health concern. When it comes to prevention many people can take an active role to intervene – especially bystanders. A bystander to bullying is anyone who witnesses bullying either in person or in digital forms like social media, websites, text messages, gaming, and apps. When bullying occurs, bystanders are present 80 percent of the time. A bystander has the potential to make a positive difference in a bullying situation, particularly for the youth who is being bullied. 

StopBullying.gov – One in five children in the United States experience bullying where a peer harasses, humiliates, or threatens repeatedly. Bullying can have negative psychological, physical, and academic effects. To learn more about bullying prevention visit Stopbullying.gov. 

(KCSS) – Each classroom should consider developing a “response kit” to have available for use during an emergency situation. Items in the kit should not be used for anything other than emergency preparedness training activities. The kit should be portable and readily accessible for use in an emergency. Contact KCSS for more information. 

Many children have questions and can feel uneasy when emergencies occur in their communities. The Meet the Helpers toolkit is designed to introduce “helpers” and explain the role they play in emergency situations. Included in the toolkit are videos and hands-on activities that provide educators and families with developmentally appropriate resources for young children.

KCSS – There are several variations of addressing lockdown procedures when considering the school setting. This page includes several ideas that may assist in developing a “lockdown” protocol in a school community. It is highly recommended that school officials consult with local law enforcement officials to cooperatively develop this protocol.

View current suggestions: “Considerations When Developing a School Lockdown Policy”

KCSS – More so now than ever before, schools are faced with ongoing challenges. They must be prepared for a wide range of emergency situations from natural disasters to threats of violence. Although schools may have established procedures for dealing with many emergency situations, many do not have these protocols collected in a coordinated, concise manner that are reviewed annually. The 2023 revision of the Emergency Management Resource Guide is designed to assist during the planning stage both at the school and district levels.

KCSS – Find links to useful resources including parent information resources, verification card, sample reunion plan, sample forms and other information.

Common Sense Media review – If there is a scheduled tornado drill or other form of disaster drill, teachers can prepare kids first by letting them play through this game. Teachers could require their students to complete all the missions and print out the certificate, which they could then take home. Additionally, for teachers who have a weather unit or curricula that include talking about previous natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, Disaster Hero can augment that discussion to give kids a sense of what they can do if something similar ever happens where they live.

Ready.gov/kids – This video teaches youth the difference between a disaster, emergency, and hazard. Children will also learn what types of emergencies to prepare for and what to do in order to prepare for them.

What is Bullying? Handout – (KCSS) 

Myths of Bullying Handout – (KCSS) 

Students: What is Bullying Handout – (KCSS) 

Parents: What is Bullying Handout – (KCSS) 

Educators: What is Bullying – (KCSS) 

Jon Akers, Executive Director of KCSS, offers suggestions for principals to consider when establishing bullying/harassment standards within their respective schools. This is not an all-inclusive list…but it is a good start for principals to reflect and act accordingly. (KCSS Handout) 

K-2 Caring for students requires more than a style of interaction. Children need real opportunities to develop their cognitive, social-emotional, and moral domains. “Five Strategies for Creating Caring” are included for teacher to use with their students.

A list of lessons, activities, games, etc. about kindness: 

• We All Teach SEL: Compassion Activities and Tools for Students
• Introduce students to “DIGITAL PASSPORT™
• Cyberbullying and Digital Drama
• Top Games That Teach Empathy
• Games That Support Kindness and Compassion

Common Sense Media for students PreK-2.  Learning to share can be tough for both siblings and friends. But sharing is a skill kids need for the classroom, the playground, and getting along at home. These books show — gently and with humor — how it’s done.

Fostering a culture of kindness enhances the connections made peer-to-peer and student to teacher. Carving out time to intentionally promote kindness cultivates empathy and understanding between individuals, leading to deeper relationships. One of the best ways to teach kindness in the classroom is to model being kind.

KCSS – This page includes some resources that are available that will hopefully help promote and incorporate empathy in your lessons as you make it an integral part of each school day. When others’ feelings become important their safety and well-being will be a priority. Resources listed include lessons, activities, kits, handouts, PowerPoints, videos and more.

Bookmarks are fun and they are a great way to encourage students with a theme. This Seuss-inspired bookmark is for early elementary and rhymes. It promotes kindness and sharing. Every day, let’s enjoy reading and show kindness, helping make our schools a great place to learn and grow.

NetSmartz – 20-30% of kids report having been cyberbullied in their lifetime. Resources to help deal with cyberbullying – such as “Cyberbullying Unplugged (PDF)”.

(KCSS) (From the Ad Council-YouTube videos)

The Kitchen (video) Writing Prompt (handout)
Talent Show (video) Writing Prompt (handout)
Bulletin Board (video) Writing Prompt (handout)
Everyone Knows Your Name (video) Writing Prompt (handout)
General Writing Prompt (handout)

This lesson for 3-5 graders provides an opportunity for students to reflect upon and personally relate to a teacher read-aloud of a narrative story. The lesson could be used with other stories; however, A Bad Case of Stripes allows for a personal connection by having students reflect on similar situations or emotions in their own lives. 

KidsHealth in the Classroom – Family, friends, and teachers are a big part of kids’ lives. My brother and I fight over pretty much everything — what games to play, what shows to watch, who.

What a Culture of Caring Looks Like in Early Childhood Classrooms – A commitment to fostering an environment of caring can promote learning in culturally diverse pre-K to 2 classrooms. Caring relationships are motivated by mutual empathy, based on the understanding and recognition of others and their needs. In the early learning classroom, caring is present in the relationship between children and teacher: Teachers respond to children’s needs and interests when they adapt and design a differentiated curriculum.

Common Sense Media – Research-based lessons to support students’ social-emotional learning and digital well-being. Media and tech have a way of magnifying the stress that young people face on a daily basis. But why is that the case? And more importantly, what can they do about it (besides just taking a break from their phones)? Support students’ digital well-being with this set of evidence-based lessons. Each is designed to help them build agency, reduce anxious thoughts, and increase mindfulness related to their tech habits. This collection was co-developed by Common Sense Education and the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Check out the Digital Well-Being Pacing Guide for implementation tips, curricular connections, and FAQs.

Common Sense Media – Research-based lessons to support students’ social-emotional learning and digital well-being. Media and tech have a way of magnifying the stress that young people face on a daily basis. But why is that the case? And more importantly, what can they do about it (besides just taking a break from their phones)? Support students’ digital well-being with this set of evidence-based lessons designed to help them build agency, reduce anxious thoughts, and increase mindfulness related to their tech habits. This collection was co-developed by Common Sense Education and the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Check out the Digital Well-Being Pacing Guide for implementation tips, curricular connections, and FAQs.

The Cyberbullying Research Center is dedicated to providing up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents.

(KCSS) (From the Ad Council-YouTube videos)

The Kitchen (video) Writing Prompt (handout)
Talent Show (video) Writing Prompt (handout)
Bulletin Board (video) Writing Prompt (handout)
Everyone Knows Your Name (video) Writing Prompt (handout)
General Writing Prompt (handout)

Taking a picture of yourself and posting it has become a virtual phenomena. Celebs are doing it, athletes are doing it and the President is doing it! (KCSS Handout)

Sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos via cell phone, computer, or any digital device. Sexting may include photos and videos containing nudity or showing simulated or real sex acts. It also includes text messages that discuss or propose sex acts or other sexually explicit exchanges. (KCSS Handout)

NetSmartz – 20-30% of kids report having been cyberbullied in their lifetime. Resources to help deal with cyberbullying – such as “Cyberbullying Unplugged (PDF)”.

FBI-SOS is a free, fun, and informative program that promotes cyber citizenship by educating students in third to eighth grades on the essentials of online security. Students will learn skills to keep them cyber safe in a game format. There is a game for each grade level promoting safe surfing online especially while students have more time online at home. (English and Spanish)

Cyberbullying Fact Sheet: Identification, Prevention, and Response – Cyberbullying Research Center – Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. W. (2020). A guide to help educators/parents/guardians spot cyberbullying be respectful and show kindness to everyone during this transitional time. This fact sheet also addresses how to respond appropriately.

Pacer – Classroom Toolkits – There are activities for younger students, as well as middle and high school. Also, a student created toolkit is listed with videos, music and artwork designed by students for other students to use.  This is a great way to create a dialogue with your class.  They can be the solution and a superhero as they work together to stop bullying.

KCSS – Cyber bullying involves the use of information and technology such as e-mail, instant messaging, the publishing of defamatory personal websites, and online personal polling websites that are used to support conscious, willful, deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by one or more people with the intent to harm others. Online harassment or threatening is Cyber bullying and it is on the rise.

KCSS – Social networking has become the “get to know your friends” means of communication for the majority of teen students today. Because of the anonymity of this global resource, areas of concern reach a higher level of danger. As students share their life through this open to the world means of communication the chances of problems escalate. Not only is there a freedom of expression but it seems it is a new avenue to push acceptance or non-acceptance to a realm that is really inconceivable with extreme consequences. Below are resources to help educate and prepare students in this ever-evolving area of communication.

Six 90-minute sessions for 9-12 graders. Using a realistic, high-interest novel (The Bully by Paul Langan) and interactive reading strategies, students discuss many issues that surround bullying and consider what they themselves can do to prevent bullying.

In this Dinosaur Train episode, the Pteranodon kids and Tank Triceratops play games at Big Pond, where they discuss the purpose of Tank’s frill, and outsmart a bully. They learn that Tank’s frill is a defense mechanism which makes the Triceratops look threatening to potential predators. (Stream Only)

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning is helping make evidence-based social and emotional learning an integral part of education from preschool through high school.

The adoption of evidence-based programs is key to providing consistent, high-quality SEL opportunities for all students. To support educators in selecting a high-quality SEL program, our Program Guide serves as a Consumer report-style product that showcases well-designed, evidence-based SEL programs (pre-kindergarten through high school) and the impact they have on student and/or teacher outcomes.

KidsHealth in the Classroom – Students will: Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health. Demonstrate the ability to access valid information and products and services to enhance health. Demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks.

Sources of Strength for Middle/High schools is a peer-led, evidence-based, mental health wellness program that utilizes the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and cultures.

The elementary program utilizes a curriculum-based approach and keeps an upstream focus to increase health and wellness and decrease negative downstream outcomes by using active learning, talking circles, guided reflection and celebrating growth.

National Center for School Safety – A toolkit outlining a framework for implementing Trauma-Informed, Resilience-Oriented (TR) approaches in schools and school districts.

Handle With Care (HWC) is the notification system described in the School Safety & Resiliency Act where schools and districts are required to collaborate with law enforcement to create procedures for notification of a student who has been trauma-exposed as part of the plan for implementing a trauma-informed approach in schools. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) have implemented a notification system that is now active statewide. The information below has been provided to us by KSP regarding implementation of the HWC program. Watch Video

When talking with your students use this handout. Everyone needs to know the difference between telling and tattling. Review these in classrooms and place them on the wall to refer to every now and then.  (KCSS Handout)

While bullying doesn’t cause suicide, a stressful environment and persistent, emotional victimization can increase a person’s risk of suicide. Together, we can create awareness about the dangers of bullying and give emotional support to those who may be contemplating suicide. If you or someone you know is in an emotional distress or suicidal crisis, please call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) 

Global Game Changers is a project-based program that provides teacher-tested, evidence-based, FREE Pre-K – 5th grade curriculum and resources that use service learning and talent development as tools to nurture children’s social, emotional, leadership, and academic growth. With a motto to IGNITE GOOD!®, the lessons use a simple equation: MY TALENT + MY HEART = MY SUPERPOWER!® to lay the foundation for nurturing engaged and successful citizens and leaders. Students explore their hearts, uncover their true talents and develop the self-confidence they need to succeed in life. (Free)

Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc. (KASAP) – Green Dot is an evidence-based primary prevention program designed to teach participants safe ways to intervene in situations of bullying, dating violence, and sexual harassment and assault. The program includes two components: the Overview Speech and the Bystander Training.

StopBullying.gov – Don’t be a bystander when it comes to bullying. Be an Upstander! StopBullying.gov has new resources to help you safely upstand to bullying. For example, StopBullying.gov’s new Bystander Fact Sheet details the different roles bystanders play in stopping or enabling the bullying behavior. StopBullying.gov has also released the new Become an Upstander to Bullying video online to view and share – they are available on the StopBullying.gov YouTube channel in English and Spanish.

StopBullying.gov – Bullying can have significant mental, developmental, and social effects, which is why it is a public health concern. When it comes to prevention many people can take an active role to intervene – especially bystanders. A bystander to bullying is anyone who witnesses bullying either in person or in digital forms like social media, websites, text messages, gaming, and apps. When bullying occurs, bystanders are present 80 percent of the time. A bystander has the potential to make a positive difference in a bullying situation, particularly for the youth who is being bullied. 

KCSS – Cyber bullying involves the use of information and technology such as e-mail, instant messaging, the publishing of defamatory personal websites, and online personal polling websites that are used to support conscious, willful, deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by one or more people with the intent to harm others. Online harassment or threatening is Cyber bullying and it is on the rise.

KCSS – This page includes some resources that are available that will hopefully help promote and incorporate empathy in your lessons as you make it an integral part of each school day. When others’ feelings become important their safety and well-being will be a priority. Resources listed include lessons, activities, kits, handouts, PowerPoints, videos and more.

KCSS – The Internet is a wonderful tool which puts the world and all its information at our fingertips. Much of this information has been available for a long time through public library access or other means. Indeed, many of these sites have been in operation for a number of years.

However, this ease of access is paving the way for massive growth in Internet-based crime such as identity theft and predators. Most of these sites also provide an opt-out feature for you to remove or manage what information is available, though it may take some clicking around to locate it. 

KCSS – Social networking has become the “get to know your friends” means of communication for the majority of teen students today. Because of the anonymity of this global resource, areas of concern reach a higher level of danger. As students share their life through this open to the world means of communication the chances of problems escalate. Not only is there a freedom of expression but it seems it is a new avenue to push acceptance or non-acceptance to a realm that is really inconceivable with extreme consequences. Below are resources to help educate and prepare students in this ever-evolving area of communication.

KCSS – There are several variations of addressing lockdown procedures when considering the school setting. This page includes several ideas that may assist in developing a “lockdown” protocol in a school community. It is highly recommended that school officials consult with local law enforcement officials to cooperatively develop this protocol.

View current suggestions: “Considerations When Developing a School Lockdown Policy”

KCSS – More so now than ever before, schools are faced with ongoing challenges. They must be prepared for a wide range of emergency situations from natural disasters to threats of violence. Although schools may have established procedures for dealing with many emergency situations, many do not have these protocols collected in a coordinated, concise manner that are reviewed annually. The 2024 revision of the Emergency Management Resource Guide is designed to assist during the planning stage both at the school and district levels.