As an openly gay young man, Tommy Walser, currently a New York University Law School student, watched in shock and anger as it seemed like every week a new suicide was being committed due to bullying and cyber-bullying. He states, "Cyber-cruelty is rapidly increasing in volume and complexity because adolescents and teens are never taught how to act responsibly and appropriately while communicating online or via other electronic devices."
Tommy, now 23, is proud of his sexuality, but growing up it was a different story. He admits that as an adolescent and teen, he was picked on by others for being "different." He decided to channel his experience into something positive by creating a program to educate kids before bullying reaches a critical point.
The Bullying Academy does not require any additional software or extensive training. Schools register with the organization's website and students immediately have access to the program. The Bullying Academy provides a professionally developed curriculum and grade appropriate content to engage students through a scavenger hunt composed of lessons and learning links, as well as utilizing quizzes which function as assessments. The program has been designed with a pre- and post-quiz so that participants can measure what was learned about bullying and its ramifications.
There are also contests for schools that participate, whereby the winning school gets a trophy, pizza party and certificate for the teacher. Any students who complete the program will also receive a diploma that ranges from gold to bronze depending on score. Students learn:
-- How to avoid violence while standing up for each other
-- How to properly respond and report bullying
-- How to recognize the short- and long-term effects of bullying on victims
and bullies
-- What bullies look for in victims
-- Characteristics and risk factors common to bullies
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