As part of our commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students, we are proud to share insights into our Bullying Prevention Month at Concordia International School Hanoi. For over a decade, we have implemented the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit (SS-BPU) as an integral part of our counseling curriculum. This important initiative is led by our dedicated Elementary School Counselor, Katie Sutherland, who works to implement effective strategies and programs that equip our students with the skills to recognize, refuse, and report bullying.

The SS-BPU focuses on teaching students from Reception through Fifth Grade the essential 3 R's of bullying prevention:
1. Recognizing bullying behavior
2. Refusing to engage in or tolerate bullying
3. Reporting incidents to a trusted adult

These lessons are crucial because many children may not fully understand what bullying is or how to respond appropriately. By educating our students on these principles, we empower them to take an active role in their safety and the safety of their peers. By fostering a culture of kindness and support, we believe that together we can make a significant difference in our school community. 

"I think it is absolutely critical that we teach our kids about bullying and its prevention. A lot of bullying stems from kids picking on others because they are somehow different. In an environment where students come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems, there are bound to be differences. We need to teach our students tolerance; that being different is okay, and that we need to respect those differences. And we need to teach our students that bullying someone or allowing someone to be bullied is never okay." - Mrs. Michelle Ngai

“The most exciting part about teaching this unit is the opportunity to first remind our students to always be mindful and reflective of how their behavior may impact the people around them. We then challenge them to actively look for and seek opportunities to be an upstander every day. An upstander, as opposed to a bystander, takes positive action to support the people around them. Concordia students make these positive choices on a daily basis! I witness multiple acts of love and kindness throughout the day at Concordia, and I feel extremely blessed to be part of this compassionate and caring community.” - Mrs. Katie Sutherland

A significant aspect of our curriculum is teaching assertiveness. When a student encounters behavior they dislike, it is vital for them to feel confident in refusing that behavior. If a situation escalates into bullying, we encourage them to report it immediately. We are fortunate to be in a small school setting where our dedicated teachers are vigilant and attentive, allowing them to closely monitor student interactions and ensure that most incidents do not go unnoticed.

“One of the most important things I teach students is to have empathy. In my experience, students easily understand how one might feel sad or hurt by the actions of others, but they need more. They need time to reflect on different scenarios and the opportunity to talk about bullying with their peers. Discussions around the 3R's of bullying prevention give them the skills and confidence they need to stand up for themselves and others.” - Ms. Shannon Aspen 

At the beginning of each school year, we send out a newsletter to inform parents about the upcoming bullying prevention lessons and provide valuable resources. We appreciate the feedback from parents who express gratitude for these lessons and share their own experiences with bullying. This open communication is vital in creating a collaborative approach to addressing these issues. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where every child feels safe and valued.

Our bullying prevention program is not just a one-time lesson; it is a continuous effort that spans from Reception through Fifth Grade. We revisit these important lessons throughout the year, reinforcing the skills our students need to navigate social situations confidently. By making this a priority year-round, we aim to create a school culture where kindness, respect, and inclusion are the norm.

Learn more about Concordia’s Elementary School program