Heritage Middle School Students Learn to Stand Up to Bullying

Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students at Heritage Middle School participated in an assembly that empowers them to stop bullying. Sweethearts & Heroes is an organization that educates and motivates students about how to stop bullying.

Mr. Tom Murphy began by talking to middle school students about his background and belief that fighting is never appropriate. Mr. Murphy talked about how to treat each other and gave students skills to practice and use to interrupt bullying behavior when they see it.

“You all decided to change your rooms last week, but they’re still dirty. Action changes everything. Nothing will change in this world unless we jump into action.” Tom Murphy

Mr. Murphy included the ABC’s of action:

A – take the person away.

B - become their friend

C - confront the situation.

The philosophy is based on Superhero movies. When someone is in danger, superheroes often fly in and take them away. If necessary, they will find another super hero, the same way our students can find another super hero. (teachers, friends, parent, older siblings). “Even Batman needed Superman’s help in that last movie!”

Mr. Murphy encouraged students to act in the moment. “If you can jump into action within 10 seconds of seeing someone not being treated correctly, you can be successful over 60% of the time.”

Mr. Murphy was joined by Mr. Rick Yarash, a real life superhero and his service dog, Amos.

The hope of Sweethearts and Heroes is to develop an action plan with tools to intervene. It goes a lot further than just knowing that bullying is bad and wrong.

About Sweethearts & Heroes:

We are group of motivational speakers bringing a message of Sweethearts and Heroes to educate society about the impact bullying has on all of our schools, our neighborhoods, and individuals. Our unique perspective, action plan (for every member of the bullying cycle), and unmatched ignition to make change puts Sweethearts and Heroes at the top of the list when it comes to changing schools’ climates. We also deliver messages of bystander empowerment, empathy and leadership to all audiences, including K-12 students, colleges and universities, teaching professionals and corporations. Children, teachers, parents and all members of society need to know that we all have the potential to be someone’s Sweetheart and the power to be a Hero.