For millions of kids across the country, attending school is a traumatic experience. They are the victims of bullying. Most kids are subjected to occasional teasing, but others are continually berated by their classmates, some are even beaten up. Now, an innovative new solution is helping to change all this.



The Bureau of Justice estimates that one out of every four kids in the United States is bullied. The prevalence of bullying, especially in middle school and junior high, has reached an all-time high. Parents are rightfully concerned, teachers are frustrated, and kids are scared. But there is an answer.

Jeff Smith teaches at Sable Point Elementary in Florida: "Bullying is a serious problem in schools today. It can be extremely traumatic and cause serious consequences, even leading to teen suicide. As a 5th grade teacher, I see kids making the transition from carefree school kids to pre-teens every year. Some of them do it easily, but for others, it's a real struggle."

In an attempt to find a more effective way to empower kids against bullying, parents and educators are tossing out the dry, finger-wagging "How to" books. They, like Jeff Smith, are turning to an innovative new solution that is fun for the kids and contains self-empowerment messages they can relate to—fiction.

Books such as "Kandide and the Secrets of the Mists" by Diana S. Zimmerman and the "Shredderman" series by Wendelin Van Draanen open the door to discuss bullying in a way that is grabbing kids' attention. Shreddarman is about a nerd who triumphs over a bully by using his brains to fight brawn—and wins.

"Kandide" is a fantasy adventure that is set in a world that rings true for almost every tween and teen—one that's obsessed with beauty and physical perfection, with a healthy dose of intolerance and distaste for those who do not fit this mold. Like the ruthless modern-day hallways of a middle or high school, in Kandide's land, beauty and arrogance are revered, and anyone who looks or acts "different" is shunned.

Jeff Smith uses this solution to make progress and connect with his students about bullying. "Kids need to experience positive role models to help them learn that they have a lot more in common than not. In my classroom. I use the characters and relevant story themes in Diana Zimmerman's book, 'Kandide and the Secret of the Mists,' to deeply engage my students in this important topic without confrontation or being preachy."

"The tale of 'Kandide,' who overcomes her disfigurement and banishment to be accepted and succeed in life, is the perfect way for my students to learn about differences and how to get along. They are completely engaged and love reading it."

According to the Indiana Education Policy Center, "Left untreated, the affects of bullying can evolve into depression, physical illness, and even suicide. In the year following a comprehensive school intervention program, researchers recorded a 50% decrease in the numbers of bullying incidents, while also reducing the intensity of these problems."

Author Diana S. Zimmerman and S.A.V.E. (Students Against Violence Everywhere) are working to expand the use of fiction as a tool to empower kids and help them take a stand against this all to pervasive problem.

Zimmerman has been speaking to school kids all across the country. "We are extremely pleased with the results," she states. "Jeff Smith's school is just one example. When kids feel empowered, they are less likely be bullied or standby and let it happen to others. We can do something about it. It's time to take a stand."

The National Youth Violence Prevention Center estimates that 5.7 million youths in the United States are involved in bullying either as a bully, as a target of bullying, or both.

Bullying Awareness Week is November 16-22nd, 2008. It's a terrific opportunity to talk about bullying in your school. Both "Kandide" and "Shreddarman" are ways to engage your kids in this discussion.

Take a stand. Help stamp out bullying in your school.