Module 2: Articles on Bullying

For more than three months, this girl and her friends had been tormenting Phoebe, a recent immigrant from Ireland.

The abuse continued on Phoebe's Facebook wall, where the girls posted cruel messages and humiliating rumors. Phoebe had told her mother about the harassment, and her mother had complained to the school.

For gay teens, the scope of the problem is truly staggering—9 out of 10 gay teens say they have been bullied in school, often violently and relentlessly.

These programs are designed to make kids more empathetic, more accepting of differences, and more likely to stand up if they see a friend being picked on.

There's even a "wall of courage," where everyone is asked to share his or her thoughts about life and friendship. It is prominently located in the school's main hallway.

Newspaper articles revealed that Phoebe had been grappling with emotional problems even before the bullying began.

At Black River Falls, a computer program randomly assigns students to tables, guaranteeing everybody a seat. (Assignments are rotated every few weeks.) This way, students must interact with kids they wouldn't normally hang out with. Roou says the system has built a school-wide sense of camaraderie.

Students didn't see the benefits—at least not at first. They circulated a petition to end assigned seating.

Once a year, every student must sit with someone new at lunch. The idea is that interacting with kids from another social group will make you more tolerant of differences, and reduce bullying and prejudice.

Once a year, every student must sit with someone new at lunch. The idea is that interacting with kids from another social group will make you more tolerant of differences, and reduce bullying and prejudice.

Even Kate, now an adult, has changed her tune. "I gained a new perspective," she says. "I met kids I had never had the chance to talk with. I made new bonds."