The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is a central part of a television special on bullying in Virginia schools. The special, "Plugged-In: Breaking the Bully Culture," leads off a public service campaign and discussion of the growing problem of youth bullying.
The show, airing on Cox Channel 11 in Hampton Roads, Va., is hosted by Z104 morning radio personality, Nick Taylor, who speaks with a panel of students about the bullying behaviors they face every day.
Experts throughout Virginia who specialize in the advocacy for bullying prevention also join the discussion. Dr. Catherine Moffett, director of Bully-Free Virginia and a certified Olweus trainer, discusses the definition of bullying; the roles bullies, victims, and bystanders; and the statistics from a groundbreaking study of Virginia schools. Deborah Christian, a certified Olweus trainer, also took part in the program.
The campaign goes beyond the television special. Local radio personalities are appearing in television advertisements intended to raise awareness of the problem of bullying. Also, free informational resource cards and "Take Charge! Stop the Bullying" wristbands are available at all Cox Solutions Stores for kids and parents during this campaign. These materials address the warning signs of youth bullying and offer advice for kids on how to better deal with bullying situations and behaviors.
Research from the National Center for Bullying Prevention, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, was used to develop the materials for this public service effort.
Tips and information sharing for subscribers will also occur regularly on the Cox Facebook and Twitter pages during the campaign. Locally, there will be additional airings of this show throughout December and January on Cox 11 Hampton Roads, Cox 9 Roanoke, and the program will be available On Demand channel 2069.
The show is also available on Cox 11's YouTube channel as a Playlist: Plugged In: Breaking the Bully Culture.
