school assemblies

Anti Bullying Assemblies are Changing the Conversation to What Really Matters


A string of high-profile incidents involving bullying has captured the attention of millions. Many celebrities have jumped on board with messages of their own. With their loud media voice, they have accelerated the messages in a positive way. But, it really comes down to the spirit and the power of the kids. They are the ones seeing the behavior firsthand. They are the ones that can actually respond on “the ground floor” when a child is being bullied. They can act by not acting, and they are seeing it unfold right there.

Witnesses of Bullying

Bullying is not a small case in a long series of obstacles in life. Unbeknownst to many, bullying is often catastrophic. Children can, and have, taken their lives due to bullying. Children who were bullied clearly face more struggles in adulthood. Perhaps shockingly, the children who witness bullying also face many of the same problems. It is reported that children who simply see bullying occur and do not act have an increased use in drugs and alcohol, increased mental health issues, and a much higher tendency to skip school. It should not require an expert to detail how skipping school and alcohol use is a slippery slope.



There is a popular message popularized by assemblies. The idea is to claim that the student is a witness. Dubbed the “I Am a Witness” campaign, it allows a student to state by text message or online that they are a witness of bullying. The campaign received backing by Facebook, Adobe, and Apple. These are some powerful partners to have. The anti bullying programs for high schools are thriving on tangible ideas and actions.

Stand Up

The ramifications of a single act of bullying can spread throughout the community like a plague. There is a responsibility to get to ground zero and express a message about bullying. The anti bullying speakers can target a very specific and singular idea, and expand on that. For example, the “Stand Up” campaign has been wildly successful. The appeal of the campaign is just to "stand up.” Act instead of not acting; whatever that may entail.

These middle school anti bullying programs are changing the discussion. They are not just stating that bullying is bad. That much is derivative. They are declaring action, and doing it with students who are the first to see anything happen. Hopefully, a single bullying assembly can just be one piece to the overall changing tide.