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Resilient Parent,
Resilient Child
Fall 2019 Speaker Series
FOLLOW UP:
Bullying Prevention Resources
Follow Up Information for Young People + Their Caregivers and Families
Thank you to the Natick Public Schools and school leaders for hosting last week's program on bullying prevention and online civility. Thank you also to internet safety expert Lynette Owens for sharing her expertise with the community. HERE is a link to the slides from last week.

SPARK Kindness is an independent, neutral, grass roots, town wide organization that does not conduct investigations or get involved in individual cases of bullying with families, schools or other organizations. However, we do offer resources and information to help access support to promote the safety, well being and resilience of all students. 

We are continuously gathering and updating lists of helpful resources to help address and prevent bullying. We also urge our members to share resources that have been helpful to them so that we can highlight those to the rest of the community.

Above all - SPARK's mission is to build a "kind, resilient and welcoming community where no one feels alone, bullied, unsupported or unconnected." Individuals experiencing bullying (or incivility) are not alone and we hope the resources below are of assistance.

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving filled with connection and kindness!
The SPARK Team
Invite a friend!
Bullying and Cyberbullying Resources
General Resources on Bullying Prevention

  • The Natick Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
  • HERE is a link to a tip sheet (from the US government/Health and Human Services) about how to talk to educators about incidents. 
  • HERE is a resource on working with schools from the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC).  
  • HERE is the link to the StopBullying.gov website. It has a great deal of comprehensive information about bullying prevention, responding to incidents of bullying and working with schools. Also, HERE is the link to the MARC website with many other resources for parents in dealing with schools.

Helpful Organizations

  • Boston Children's Hospital Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention and Advocacy Program (BACPAC) HERE
  • Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) HERE

Resource Guide on Cyberbullying
  • Further, new Resource Guide on Cyberbullying Identification, Prevention and Response is here.

Helpful Articles
In terms of articles, we highly recommend:  


Helpful Books
  • Middle School Matters by Phyllis Fagell (here)
  • Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman (here)
  • Masterminds and Wingmen by Rosalind Wiseman (here)
  • Untangled by Lisa Damour (here)
  • Enough as She Is by Rachel Simmons - and Rachel has other books about girls & relational aggression/bullying (here) 
  • No More Mean Girls by Katie Hurley (younger ages) (here)

Helpful Websites

Bullying + Being an Upstander
  • ADL (Anti-Defamation League) many articles and webinars in how to address bullying & cyberbullying (HERE)
  • Rachel Simmons - (girls, friendships & leadership) HERE
  • Katie Hurley (for younger girls) - HERE
  • Rosalind Wiseman - (for adolescent youth) HERE
  • Prevnet (Canadian) - great general resources, including info re: LGBTQ bullying (here)
  • Classroom Conversations (for Educators + Parents)(HERE)

Internet Safety & Cyberbullying
  • Cyberbullying Research Center - HERE
  • Common Sense Media - (HERE)
  • TrendMicro Internet Safety for Kids and Families (HERE)
  • Connect Safely - with great guides - (HERE)

Mental Health Resources
INTERFACE Referral Service - free service that provides referrals to mental health providers for Natick families. INTERFACE will do an intake over the phone and match you with a mental health providers based upon your insurance. This is an incredible resource for teens. Website HERE. (INTERFACE is also available in a number of other communities in Massachusetts, check their website for details - HERE).

Referrals and Resources
  • "How to Find a Therapist When You Need One" - Excellent article by the The Boston Globe
  • Therapy Matcher - another free referral site
  • Natick 180 - New website! wrap around resources regarding substance use prevention, treatment and recovery.
  • Mental Health Resources for Families (compiled by the Natick Public Schools) is HERE. 
  • Depression Prevention Initiatives at Natick High School & Natick Middle Schools (Dr. Tracy Gladstone of the Wellesley Centers for Women and Children's Hospital Boston) HERE.
Every time we do something that helps our community grow more kind, resilient and welcoming, we SPARK Kindness. Together as families, schools, organizations, coaches, artists, faith and community leaders, we can make sure that no one feels alone, bullied, unsupported or unconnected.
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SPARK Kindness is a community convener, educator, resource, and friend—and the biggest fan of our shared strengths. Join us in Natick and our growing network of communities.