H-E-B is embracing the effort toput an end to bullying in elementary school, by using its iconic H-E-Buddy to teach first through third graders how to interact with other kids without bullying, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Sonia Canales, who is Corporate Diversity Manager at H-E-B, says an upbeat show called the 'H-E-B Buddy League Training Academy' will perform at elementary schools statewide over the coming several weeks. She says the show will use animation, videos, songs, and real life school scenarios which will tell young children what bullying is.
"Some of the kids might not even know that or realize that the behavior they have with their peers is bullying," she said.
Canales says most kids develop their social skills and practice social interactions in those early grades, and if they can be taught to recognize and avoid bullying behavior, those lessons will last a lifetime.
"What is bullying? What does it mean to be bullied? What should someone do if they are being bullied?"
She says the 45 minute long show will be an exciting experience for kids, and, hopefully, it will teach them something as well.
"We are reinforcing those messages through song and dance, through a lot of engagement with the kids, and also through video and animation."
Canales says the H-E-B Buddy League will 'promote kindness and respect over negative behaviors such as teasing, exclusion and bullying.
"Bullying is a widespread issue that can cause negative physical, social, and mental health issues," she said. "Children who are bullied more often experience depression, anxiety, and feelings of sadness and loneliness as well as experience lower academic achievement and school participation."