The ARP is a very defensive and sustainable program that considers human rights, the law, and ethics, blending science and psychology to solve bullying situations in a simple way that reduces the likelihood of repercussions. The focus is on diffusion, negotiation, de-escalation, using a range of highly effective self-protection skills. The solutions prevent bullies from harming other students whilst minimising any harm to bullies. The strategies have been carefully crafted, so they are age-relevant, easy to learn, easy to remember and easy to apply, so students and bystanders know how to respond quickly and correctly in bullying situations, which is important because when people don’t know what to do in traumatic situations (e.g., a car accident or a bullying situation) they usually do nothing, i.e., they go into a mild state of shock. The sooner a student can get out of shock and into action, the better chance they have of a good outcome. Most emergency services personnel, when asked how they cope, usually say that the training kicks in and they just go into action. The ARP teaches students how to assess a situation and respond accordingly, to achieve the best outcome for everyone.

A sad statistic of bullying is that most children who bully are also being bullied. When students understand this vicious cycle of bullying and how bullying is negatively impacting everyone involved, they are eager to become part of the solution.

To change the culture at schools, everyone needs to be involved – students, teachers, admin staff and parents. After all, bullying and mental health affects everyone, so we’re all in this together.