NEYC takes regular steps to reduce bullying behavior here at the youth center. Below, we share our goals as a center and encourage parents/guardians to continue the conversation at home.

Center-wide, our programming strives to support children in labeling their emotions and recognizing those of others, practicing empathy, identifying when emotions are leading towards unhealthy behaviors, and steps to redirect situations. Our initiatives are modeled after stances and practices utilized by the Spokane Public School District which are aimed at promoting respect and preventing harm.
Through these initiatives, NEYC works to reduce the number of bullying incidents and to improve the sense of community and physical/emotional safety for youth. We encourage parents/guardians to invite regular conversations about bullying at home. Below are some definitions and resources that may be helpful in exploring this topic with your child(ren).

Rude, Mean, or Bullying: Know the Difference
Rude: Inadvertently saying or doing something that hurts someone else. Incidents of rudeness are usually spontaneous, unplanned inconsideration based on thoughtlessness, poor manners or narcissism, but not meant to hurt someone else.

Mean: Purposefully saying or doing something to hurt someone once (or maybe twice). The main distinction between "rude" and "mean" has to do with intention. While rudeness is often unintentional, mean behavior very much aims to hurt or depreciate someone.

Bullying: Intentionally aggressive behavior, repeated over time, that involves an imbalance of power. Experts agree that bullying entails three key elements: an intent to harm, a power imbalance and related acts or threats of aggressive behavior.

If you have any questions or concerns surrounding bullying, please reach out to us at:
frontdesk@spokaneneyc.org