Anti-bullying gets spotlight in Lansdale

LANSDALE, Pa. (CBS) – A bullying prevention program was introduced today to students at the Gwynedd Square Elementary School in Lansdale.

One of the most crucial lessons the kids learned was not to stand by and let bullying happen to others.

“You tell to protect someone,” one of the program leaders told the assembled students. “And how do you do that?”

The assembly is called Box Out Bullying. It’s an improvisational comedic performance that teaches kids how they can prevent bullying in a way they can understand.

Guidance counselor Kristen Vaszily explains that the concept of the program is to encourage kids to speak up when they see someone being bullied.

“The bystander is the person that we say is that really is the key to change,” Vaszily says, “and they can make a huge difference by their behavior. And changing that behavior can really help stop it.”

Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio 1060.