Breaking the Code teaches about bullying

An introduction to Breaking the Code, a research-based prevention simulation that highlights the existence and harmfulness of a hidden and unchallenged bullying social structure, is being offered at the University of Illinois Extension Office. The introduction is open to teachers, 4-H leaders, parents or any adults who work with middle and high school-aged youth.

Breaking the Code incorporates social issues such as shunning, intimidation, gossiping, lies, discrimination, threats, physical abuse, and making fun of others. The purpose of Breaking the Code is to impact the beliefs and attitudes middle and high school students have about bullying. It attempts to show how bullying allows a hidden code of conduct or a "pecking order" of power to exist in a school's social climate, and how a simple, seemingly insignificant decision a bystander makes has the power to strengthen or weaken this code and structure. It encourages youth to take a stand against all behavior that treats others as inferior and change the social environment of their school and community.

BTC is a simulation activity and guided discussion. It provides youth with a visual understanding of how a social hierarchy of bullying permits a climate of inequality and harassment to continue and increase for those who are singled out as the targets of mistreatment. The simulation tells a story of high school youth faced with everyday situations where they are pressured to give in to the bully's social structure.

The introduction will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13. The University of Illinois Extension Office is at 100 S. Highway 45, Grayslake. There is no fee for the introduction. To register, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=11070.

For information, contact Cindy Sarkady, Unit 4-H youth development educator, at csarkady@illinois.edu or (847) 223-8627.