In this episode, we’re exploring why emotional intelligence is such a powerful tool in bully prevention.

Instead of relying on strict rules or punishments, emotional intelligence helps kids understand themselves and others. It gives them the skills to manage frustration, handle conflict, and treat people with more empathy and care.

Bullying doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it’s often a reaction to stress, insecurity, or emotional overwhelm. When we teach emotional intelligence, we get to the root of those behaviors instead of just reacting to the symptoms.

Whether you’re a teacher, counselor, or parent, this episode will help you see how small shifts in emotional awareness can make a big difference in creating safer, more connected schools.

Resources Mentioned:

• The full blog post

• Try our ⁠Bullyproof Your Child at Home⁠ curriculum

• Sign up for the ⁠Weekly Bullying Prevention Newsletter⁠

• Explore ⁠all our bullying prevention and SEL resources⁠

In this episode, we’re reading Boys Will Be Boys, which is a powerful short story from the book Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me? by Dr. Terrence Webster-Doyle.

It gives us a look inside the mind of a child who bullies others, but instead of painting him as “the bad guy,” it digs deeper into what’s really going on. His home life, how he’s treated by adults, and all the pressure he’s carrying.

Kids don’t always expect to hear this side of the story and that’s what makes it so important. It helps them understand that there’s usually more behind bullying than what you see on the surface.

Whether you’re a teacher, counselor, or parent, this story is a powerful way to explore the roots of aggression and open up conversations about identity, pressure, and how we treat each other.

Resources Mentioned:

• Download the full book Why Is Everybody Always Picking on Me?
• Bullying Prevention Newsletter
• Check out MAP STARS, our student mentorship program
• Browse all our bullying prevention and SEL resources

In this episode, we’re continuing our 12-part podcast series based on the 12 Ways to Walk Away with Confidence curriculum. Each lesson shares simple, practical strategies kids can use to handle conflict and bullying.

Today’s topic is humor.

This lesson introduces the idea that humor, when used kindly and thoughtfully, can be one way to shift a tense situation.

It can feel a bit weird to talk about fun in the middle of a serious topic like bullying, but this lesson gives kids a new tool to work with. A well-placed moment of silliness or lightness can sometimes stop a situation from escalating and give them just enough space to walk away or shift the tone.

We also talk about how this tool won’t work for everyone or every moment and that’s okay. These lessons are meant to be practiced like any other skill. Some will feel natural, others won’t. But the more tools kids have, the more confident they’ll feel when it really matters.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or work with kids in another way, this is a great one to try out with your group.

Resources Mentioned:

• Explore the full curriculum: 12 Ways to Walk Away with Confidence

• Get weekly tools in our Bullying Prevention Newsletter

• Check out MAP STARS, our student mentorship program

• Browse all our bullying prevention and SEL resources