Local events spotlight bullying prevention as national month approaches

A pair of upcoming events aim to draw attention to bullying as National Bullying Prevention Month approaches.

Thirteen local high school students, including five from Palm Springs High School, are currently in rehearsals for a powerful theater production at Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) aimed at addressing the pervasive issue of bullying in schools.

In the meantime, the second annual Boo2Bullying Wellness Festival is being planned for the end of the month at Palm Springs Stadium.

On stage, the CVRep Youth Theatre is set to present “Before The Bell,” a drama that explores a high school bullying incident from multiple perspectives. Local students will attend performances for two weeks this month, and the public is invited to attend performances from Sept. 17 through 20. The theater is located at 28510 East Palm Canyon Dr. More details are available here.

The cast represents a diverse group of local schools including Cathedral City High School, Desert Hot Springs High School, Palm Springs High School, Rancho Mirage High School, and one home-schooled student.

The production is timed to coincide with October’s National Bullying Prevention Month, highlighting the ongoing need for attention to this critical issue affecting young people.

“Before The Bell” presents the story of a bullying incident from three different viewpoints: the victim, and two bullies involved. This multi-faceted narrative aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play in bullying situations.

“It’s impossible to explore all the variables that can lead to bullying in a single show,” said playwright Kelly Kazmierowicztrimm as she explained the intention behind the play’s structure. “But by using the show to convey multiple perspectives and motivations, we hope that the next time someone witnesses or hears about an act of bullying, they’ll ask themselves, ‘Why did that person behave that way? What brought them to this moment?'”

Kazmierowicztrimm, who was diagnosed with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder in his 30s, draws from personal experience.

“To kids at school, my behavior just fell into the category of ‘weird,’ and played a role in how much I was bullied,” he said.

Howard Shangraw, CVRep director of Conservatory and Youth Programs, emphasized the importance of addressing bullying through theater.

“Bullying is an epidemic with no signs of lessening,” he said. “At least one in five kids is bullied and 13% of today’s tweens (9 to 12-year-olds) reported bullying in school or online. In many cases, bullying can prove fatal.”

Like it has in past years, CVRep is offering free performances for area high school students, including transportation to its Cathedral City theater. Each show will be followed by a Q&A session with the cast, mental healthcare professionals, and Shangraw.

To support the educational aspect of the production, CVRep is providing free study guides and classroom materials to schools. These resources are designed to facilitate preparation and post-performance discussions.

Later in the month, Boo2Bullying will host its Second Annual Kick Bullying to the Curb Wellness Festival at Palm Springs Stadium in Sunrise Park. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 28, offers free entry for both youth and adults, thanks to the support of sponsors and community partners.

The festival will feature family-friendly activities, including games, face-painting, a petting zoo, and food from local vendors. At noon, celebrities and local figures will take to the field for the highly anticipated Celebrity Kickball game.

Boo2Bullying, founded in 2013, provides outreach and support to bullied youth and their families, promoting mental health and empowerment through free programs in schools and online.

Bullying in schools remains a significant issue, affecting students’ mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Research shows that about 20% of U.S. students in grades 6-12 report being bullied at school. Bullying can take many forms, including verbal harassment, physical violence, and cyberbullying, with verbal bullying being the most common.

The impacts of bullying can be severe, leading to anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem, and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. It also negatively affects learning, with bullied students often struggling to focus and perform academically. Cyberbullying, fueled by social media and online platforms, has exacerbated the problem, making it harder to escape for many students.

Schools have implemented anti-bullying programs and policies, but the effectiveness varies. The social, emotional, and psychological effects can last well beyond childhood, emphasizing the importance of intervention and supportive environments to reduce bullying’s impact.

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