Anti-Bullying Advocate Speaks To Lower School

Author and anti-bullying activist Loverly Sheridan spent the morning of October 20 speaking to lower school students about the impact bullying has on others. Sheridan read her book “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully,” to elementary students in The Barker Performing Arts Center. The interactive book, geared towards children between the ages of three and 10, highlights the importance of kindness and compassion towards others. Sheridan uses the story of a little boy who is being bullied by his classmates to show the impact that bullying has both on others and the bully themselves.

Sheridan opened the conversation up to the students, asking them what they learned from the book. Little hands shot up across the audience, eager to share the lessons they had taken away. “Treat others how you want to be treated,” said one student. “Tell a teacher,” said another. “Be kind,” said a third.

Lee Peterson, Lower School Dean of Students, said students learned what it means to be a buddy and how a buddy can positively impact another child. Peterson said the lower school has a "buddy bench" on the playground which is used to ensure an inclusive climate and to foster friendships. If a student doesn't have someone to play with they can go sit on the bench and one of their classmates will come over and include them in an activity. 

Sheridan, who has written five children’s book, has also developed the “buddy pledge” below.