Students, teachers, and community leaders gathered at the ASEZ STAR Anti-Bullying Forum to discuss ways to prevent bullying and violence in schools. The event featured a live panel discussion, a musical performance by student volunteers, a Bible seminar, and a luncheon. Among the attendees were Eris Aubrie, a student speaker, Donna Irons, a teacher, Ariel Peterson, the high school director of Mastery Charter, and Ariel Lajara, the second-in-command superintendent of Philadelphia.
Students Unite to Stop Bullying
The main goal of the forum was to empower students with the tools to prevent bullying, promote kindness, and create a safe, inclusive environment. They focused on helping students build positive relationships and encouraging personal growth. Leaders discussed how anti-bullying programs and policies improve safety, mental health, and academic performance. These programs also help reduce bullying incidents by promoting respect and inclusivity, thereby creating a culture of empathy and accountability.
One volunteer shared how moved they were by the children’s willingness to learn. Despite the short time frame, the children listened carefully to the instructions and immediately put them into practice. Another attendee expressed that the event was a true blessing, saying, “I learned much more than I expected, and the young people were the real stars of the show.”
The event was part of the ASEZ STAR Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, which encourages students and adults to work together to build safer, more supportive school communities. Events like these give students the tools to prevent bullying and encourage them to be leaders in making their schools safer and kinder for everyone.
To view more events in Pennsylvania, please click here.
