Bully Proof Your Child

In this episode, we’re reading Boys Will Be Boys, which is a powerful short story from the book Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me? by Dr. Terrence Webster-Doyle.It gives us a look inside the mind of a child who bullies others, but instead of painting him as “the bad guy,” it digs deeper into what’s really going on. His home life, how he’s treated by adults, and all the pressure he’s carrying. Kids don’t always expect to hear this side of the story and that’s what makes it so important. It helps them understand that there’s usually more behind bullying than what you see on the surface.Whether you’re a teacher, counselor, or parent, this story is a powerful way to explore the roots of aggression and open up conversations about identity, pressure, and how we treat each other.Resources Mentioned:Download the full book Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me?Bullying Prevention NewsletterCheck out MAP STARS, our student mentorship programBrowse all our bullying prevention and SEL resources

In this episode, we’re continuing our 12-part podcast series based on the 12 Ways to Walk Away with Confidence curriculum. Each lesson shares simple, practical strategies kids can use to handle conflict and bullying.Today’s topic is humor.This lesson introduces the idea that humor, when used kindly and thoughtfully, can be one way to shift a tense situation. It can feel a bit weird to talk about fun in the middle of a serious topic like bullying, but this lesson gives kids a new tool to work with. A well-placed moment of silliness or lightness can sometimes stop a situation from escalating and give them just enough space to walk away or shift the tone.We also talk about how this tool won’t work for everyone or every moment and that’s okay. These lessons are meant to be practiced like any other skill. Some will feel natural, others won’t. But the more tools kids have, the more confident they’ll feel when it really matters.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or work with kids in another way, this is a great one to try out with your group.Resources Mentioned:Explore the full curriculum: 12 Ways to Walk Away with ConfidenceGet weekly tools in our Bullying Prevention NewsletterCheck out MAP STARS, our student mentorship programBrowse all our bullying prevention and SEL resources

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most powerful, but often overlooked, bully prevention tools: peer mentorship.We talk about what happens when older students step into leadership roles to support younger ones, and how schools can create structured programs that actually work. Peer mentorship helps younger students feel seen and supported, while older students build leadership skills and empathy. It’s one of the simplest ways to shift school culture from the inside out.Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen a program you already have, this episode will give you ideas, inspiration, and practical takeaways.Resources Mentioned:Learn more about our peer mentorship curriculum, ⁠MAP STARS⁠.Browse all ⁠bullying prevention and conflict resolution resources⁠.Get weekly tools and lesson ideas in our ⁠Bullying Prevention Newsletter⁠.Let us know what mentorship looks like in your school,we’d love to hear from you!

In this episode, we’re starting our 12-part podcast series based on the 12 Ways to Walk Away with Confidence curriculum. Each lesson gives kids simple, practical tools they can use to handle conflict and bullying, starting with this one: A Bully Can Be a Buddy.This first lesson is all about breaking down the idea of what a bully is. It helps kids understand that sometimes, the person being mean isn’t just “a bully”; they might be someone who’s struggling, confused, or even open to friendship.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone who works with kids, this episode gives you a quick way to introduce one of our most important concepts: that kids have choices in how they respond and sometimes, choosing civility and friendship instead of fear can help them diffuse a bullying situation.Resources Mentioned:Explore the full curriculum: 12 Ways to Walk Away with ConfidenceGet weekly tools in our Bullying Prevention NewsletterCheck out MAP STARS, our student mentorship programFind all our bullying prevention and SEL resources

In this episode, we’re sharing a powerful story from Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me? by Dr. Terrence Webster-Doyle. It’s called The Day of the Bee Sting, which is a true story about childhood bullying, unexpected strength, and how one surprising moment can change everything.This story is a favorite among students and educators because it opens up conversations about what it feels like to be bullied and how kids can find their power.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or working directly with students, this episode is a helpful tool to use alongside your other bullying prevention efforts.Resources Mentioned:Download the full book Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me?Get free weekly tools in our Bullying Prevention NewsletterLearn more about MAP STARS, our student mentorship program.Browse all our bullying prevention and conflict resolution resources

How do victims of bullying sometimes become bullies themselves? Let’s break the cycle.In this episode of the Bully Proof Podcast, we’re diving into the bully-victim cycle, which is a pattern where kids who’ve been bullied begin to lash out at others. This cycle of retaliation and desensitization is more common than you might think, but with the right tools, we can interrupt it early and create a safer space for everyone.We discuss:Why hurt kids sometimes hurt othersHow repeated exposure to bullying can make kids numb to its harmEarly signs a victim might be shifting into aggressive behaviorWhy pulling kids aside isn’t always the best solution and what works betterStrategies for schools and parents to support kids and break the cycleThis is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone who works with kids. RESOURCES & WAYS TO CONNECTJoin our ⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly bully prevention newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our ⁠⁠⁠signature program, MAP STARS⁠⁠⁠For our curricula and books, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠atriumsoc.org/resource-library/⁠⁠⁠⁠Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@atriumsoc.org⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on social media for more tips & updates on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, comment, and share to help us spread the message of bully prevention. Let’s work together to create a safer world!

Can bully education be fun? We think so and here’s why it works.In this episode of the Bully Proof Podcast, we explore how to bring energy, creativity, and even playfulness into a serious topic like bullying. Because while the subject is heavy, the way we teach it doesn’t have to be.When kids are engaged, they learn better. Fun creates a safe space where they open up, practice skills like empathy and assertiveness, and actually want to participate. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or camp leader, these ideas will help you make bully prevention interactive, impactful, and yes, even fun.We discuss:Why making lessons fun increases engagement and retentionHow games, art, and movement reinforce social skills like teamwork and empathyTips for creating safe, playful spaces where kids can open upPractical activities like roleplays, kindness challenges, and confidence-building exercisesRESOURCES & WAYS TO CONNECTJoin our ⁠⁠⁠weekly bully prevention newsletter⁠⁠⁠Join our ⁠⁠signature program, MAP STARS⁠⁠For our curricula and books, visit ⁠⁠⁠atriumsoc.org/resource-library/⁠⁠⁠Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠podcast@atriumsoc.org⁠⁠⁠Follow us on social media for more tips & updates on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, comment, and share to help us spread the message of bully prevention. Let’s work together to create a safer world!

Is your current approach to bullying reactive instead of proactive? In this episode, we explore how structured bully education can reduce stress, improve consistency, and lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.We discuss:Why reactive strategies often fall shortThe benefits of a school-wide, structured approachWhat effective bully prevention looks like in practiceHow a consistent framework supports both kids and educatorsRESOURCES & WAYS TO CONNECTJoin our ⁠⁠⁠weekly bully prevention newsletter⁠⁠⁠Join our ⁠⁠signature program, MAP STARS⁠⁠For our curricula and books, visit ⁠⁠⁠atriumsoc.org/resource-library/⁠⁠⁠Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠podcast@atriumsoc.org⁠⁠⁠Follow us on social media for more tips & updates on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, comment, and share to help us spread the message of bully prevention. Let’s work together to create a safer world!

What happens when we label bullies as bad kids? Are we setting them up for failure by not seeing the person who needs help behind their behavior?In this episode, we discuss:How labeling kids as bad perpetuates their actions What we can do to help kids change their behaviorWhy we need to educate bullies, not just punish themWhy bullies act the way they do⁠Read more on our blog⁠.RESOURCES & WAYS TO CONNECTJoin our ⁠⁠weekly bully prevention newsletter⁠⁠Join our ⁠online course to teach kids to resolve conflict safely⁠For our curricula and books, visit ⁠⁠atriumsoc.org/resource-library/⁠⁠Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at ⁠⁠podcast@atriumsoc.org⁠⁠Follow us on social media for more tips & updates on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, comment, and share to help us spread the message of bully prevention. Let’s work together to create a safer world!

Today, we’re discussing why bullying education should be consistent, year-round, and incorporated into children's lives in various ways, rather than focusing solely on specific events.In this episode, we discuss:How consistent education is more effectiveWhat parents, teachers, and others can do and tips for effectively implementing this educationThe problem with one-time eventsRESOURCES & WAYS TO CONNECTJoin our ⁠⁠weekly bully prevention newsletter⁠⁠Join our ⁠online course to teach kids to resolve conflict safely⁠For our curricula and books, visit ⁠⁠atriumsoc.org/resource-library/⁠⁠Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at ⁠⁠podcast@atriumsoc.org⁠⁠Follow us on social media for more tips & updates on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, comment, and share to help us spread the message of bully prevention. Let’s work together to create a safer world!

Today, we’re exploring the long-term effects of bullying — what happens after the bullying ends and how those experiences can stay with us long into adulthood.Bullying doesn’t just hurt in the moment. It can shape how kids see themselves, how they build relationships, and even how they handle challenges later in life.In this episode, we discuss:How bullying can leave lasting emotional scars, including anxiety, depression, and low self-worthThe surprising ways bullying can impact adult relationships, friendships, and trustWhy some targets of bullying struggle with confidence, people-pleasing, or conflict avoidance years laterPractical ways parents, teachers, and caring adults can help prevent these long-term effects and build resilience in kids todayRead more on our blog.RESOURCES & WAYS TO CONNECTJoin our ⁠weekly bully prevention newsletter⁠Join our online course to teach kids to resolve conflict safelyFor our curricula and books, visit ⁠atriumsoc.org/resource-library/⁠Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at ⁠podcast@atriumsoc.org⁠Follow us on social media for more tips & updates on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, comment, and share to help us spread the message of bully prevention. Let’s work together to create a safer world!

Today, we’re exploring the immediate effects of bullying—what happens to kids in the moment and how it impacts them emotionally, mentally, and even physically. In this episode, we discuss:The emotional and psychological toll of bullying: how it affects self-esteem, confidence, and mental healthPhysical signs that a child might be experiencing bullying (even if they aren’t talking about it)Why bullying can impact a child’s ability to learn and focus in schoolPractical ways parents and teachers can support kids right nowLearn more on our blog.RESOURCES & WAYS TO CONNECTJoin our ⁠weekly bully prevention course⁠Join our online course to teach kids to resolve conflict safelyFor our curricula and books, visit ⁠atriumsoc.org/resource-library/⁠Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at ⁠podcast@atriumsoc.org⁠Follow us on social media for more tips & updates on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, comment, and share to help us spread the message of bully prevention. Let’s work together to create a safer world!

Welcome to the first episode of the Bully Proof Your Child Podcast! We’re excited to start by sharing the story behind the Atrium Society and how we’ve been working to help children, parents, and teachers for over 40 years.In this episode, we talk about:The history of the Atrium Society and our mission to create a more peaceful worldHow we got involved in bully prevention and why this work mattersThe common misunderstanding about martial arts and its role in bully preventionA few quick, practical tips to help kids navigate bullying situations todayLearn more about the Atrium Society on our website.RESOURCES & WAYS TO CONNECTJoin our weekly bully prevention courseJoin our online course to teach kids to resolve conflict safelyFor our curricula and books, visit atriumsoc.org/resource-library/Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at podcast@atriumsoc.orgFollow us on social media for more tips & updates on Instagram and FacebookIf you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, comment, and share to help us spread the message of bully prevention. Let’s work together to create a safer world!