In the aftermath of Covid-19, it became evident to King David Victory Park that many of their learners are struggling with relationships and needing extra emotional support.
The global issue of bullying is particularly highlighted and in response, the school hosted Fear/Freedom, a production featuring Bryan Schimmel and Clinton Fein. Both men matriculated from the school 40 years ago – one the bully, one the victim. As adults, on stage, they recounted their rivalry as schoolboys. They relived the trauma that lingered for decades and shared how they finally reconciled 35 years later.
At the time, it was a simple act of kindness from one of their classmates that shifted the situation and lessened the torment. The message was clear – be an upstander and show compassion to those who are vulnerable. Bullying does not have to be an identity, rather, it is a behaviour that one can change.
According to Gita Lipschitz, the school counsellor, the school launched the Vive for Teens App, once downloaded, the students can access emotional support anonymously, 24/7/365, from trained counsellors outside the school. “This is aimed to provide a lifeline to students over and above the services provided by the social worker and psychologist within the school.”
Through it, learners can track their emotional well-being using artificial intelligence, discover information on common teenage challenges and gain tools to cope more effectively. Lipschitz concluded there is also an anonymous tip line where learners can report any situation if they are concerned that someone is at risk.
Related Article:
