Young people were frustrated by approaches to bullying prevention and digital wellbeing about them & done to them instead of with them. SnS was co created with a passionate team of teens who wanted to challenge and change the attitudes, norms and behaviours that accept bullying behaviours (online and off). They wanted to be involved beyond consultation to create meaningful social change.
Young people are equal partners & contributors through participatory design, fostering a collaborative, student-centred approach that empowers them to take the lead & guide the learning experience. Action research guides a school specific approach with the insights gained from data informing the development of tailored programmes for schools & young people based on the unique challenges and opportunities in each environment. Support is multi faceted & ongoing throughout the year. We work with students for a half or full day workshop every term, focusing on interactive and engaging learning & active practice to build skills and confidence. Students build on learning through independent, self-selected action projects to bring learning to life & positively impact their environments. We also support teachers through coaching, mentoring & planning as well as engaging with the parent community. Our innovation moves away from one off presentations done to students to meaningful involvement.
Since 2013, Sticks 'n Stones has worked across schools in Central Otago to grow from supporting 30 to over 6000 students. We have iterated multiple times since 2013 with the support and guidance of young people. In addition to our region specific in school support, we also partnered with Meta in 2019 to facilitate a national online advocate programme with 40 schools from Northland to Otago. In 2021 we partnered with the Ministry of Education to co-design Student Activity packs for both Primary & Secondary school students nationwide as part of bullying free NZ week that have been downloaded hundreds of times. We generously share resources, including our award winning co-designed online support app icon.org.nz & provide mentoring and support to young people, schools and other organisations.
Visit our website, download one of our action packs https://snsnz.link/BFNZ
Get in touch with us to learn more - we would be happy to provide support.
1. Involve students early, before decisions are made
2. Maintain their involvement -continue to involve them in an ongoing and meaningful way
3. Make space for the power of the peers this cannot be overstated when it comes to bullying prevention.
