CPS, Miami Dolphins, and Broward Schools Collaborate to Prevent Bullying

The Center for Psychological Studies (CPS), in collaboration with the Miami Dolphins and the Broward County Public Schools, are conducting” Bullying Prevention Awareness” presentations at the 11 schools in the Boyd Anderson Innovation Zone. These presentations consist of an introductory motivational talk about the importance of education, physical fitness, and positive choices by Twan Russell, a former Dolphins linebacker and the current Director of Youth and Community Programs for the Dolphins organization, followed by skits which illustrate problems with physical and psychological bullying. Actors in the skits include graduate students from CPS, office personnel from the Dolphins, and students from the schools in which the presentations take place. When the skits have been stopped at a critical moment, usually just prior to an incident of violence, Drs. Mercedes ter Maat and Gene Cash of CPS assist Twan Russell and the cast lead a group discussion about what could have been done differently to prevent teasing and negative comments from escalating into violence and other forms of bullying. The presentations have reached over 4,000 public school students so far, and more awareness programs have been scheduled. The presentations have been designed collaboratively with school personnel so they fit into the district's overall bullying prevention plan.