Can Learning Empathy Prevent Bullying?
Heartfulness eMagazine|September 2021
LYNNE AZARCHI is the Executive Director of the Kidsbridge Tolerance Center in New Jersey. It is the only youth-oriented tolerance center in the US. The center focuses on providing an immersive learning experience for children from kindergarten to eighth grade around the strategies of bullying prevention, diversity appreciation and respect. In this interview with EMMA IVATURI, Lynne talks about Kidsbridge, key principles that every classroom carries, and the importance of empathy in a learning environment.
LYNNE AZARCHI
Can Learning Empathy Prevent Bullying?
Q: What are the origins of Kidsbridge?

Kidsbridge was started twenty years ago by a young man whose mother was a teacher. He started the organization in her honor, realizing that more than ever before there was a need to teach children and educators diversity appreciation and bullying prevention. We started with the concept of a multicultural museum to teach children about respect and kindness, and ten years ago the museum opened. It is now called the Kidsbridge Tolerance Center. Since then, we have built upon the original concept with activities that address kindness, respect, sensitivity to people with disabilities, victim empowerment for bullying, and being an UPstander.

As the years have passed, we have adapted in order to keep up with the fact that society and kids are changing so quickly. As a result of our research and assessments, our activities have improved a lot. For example, we had a Kid Heroes room, but then learned from our research that not every kid feels that they can be a hero, so that activity evolved into being about personal strengths and working with others as a team. Other activities have evolved from teachers’ comments or parents saying something.

By listening to people, and supporting our activities with research, the Kidsbridge activities are now research-informed and evidence-based. We can show statistically significant improvements in empathy, empowerment, and moral reasoning as a result of our programs. We do assessments and make sure each activity is effective.

Q: What is an UPStander, and how do you encourage every child to be one?

Denne historien er fra September 2021-utgaven av Heartfulness eMagazine.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September 2021-utgaven av Heartfulness eMagazine.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HEARTFULNESS EMAGAZINESe alt
Aging Gracefully - For a few months now I have been asking the question, “How to age gracefully?”
Heartfulness eMagazine

Aging Gracefully - For a few months now I have been asking the question, “How to age gracefully?”

Victor Kannan explores the process of aging, with a focus on aging gracefully. How can you be at peace with yourself as old age approaches? How can you develop maturity in behavior and focus on life’s best interests?

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
Portrait Painting
Heartfulness eMagazine

Portrait Painting

FABIO KOHLER is an artist and musician.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
The Mountain of No Return
Heartfulness eMagazine

The Mountain of No Return

SARA BUBBER tells a beautiful Japanese folktale on valuing wisdom and experience and asks you to do a personal reflective exercise.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
By Acts of Love
Heartfulness eMagazine

By Acts of Love

CHRISTINE PRISLAND shares her love of books, good storytelling, and a particular author that inspires and delights her

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
How Does Fear Affect Our Roles as Mothers?
Heartfulness eMagazine

How Does Fear Affect Our Roles as Mothers?

NEELAM SHIVHARE explores some of the great ancient texts of India on motherhood, compares the behavior of Kaikayi and Yashoda, and realizes the importance of removing fear from our hearts in order to nurture our children.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
The Difference Between Trust and Respect
Heartfulness eMagazine

The Difference Between Trust and Respect

DR. ICHAK ADIZES shares some thoughts on the nature of mutual trust and respect, and why we can trust without respecting, and respect without trusting.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
A SIMPLE WAY TO IMPROVE Your Health and the Health of the Planet
Heartfulness eMagazine

A SIMPLE WAY TO IMPROVE Your Health and the Health of the Planet

DAAJI explains why a plantbased diet is good for your health and well-being, and for the planet. Some of the reasons may surprise you. Yogic science is very comprehensive on this subject, and now medical science is catching up. Daaji then challenges us all to do an experiment for three months.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
International Cities of Peace
Heartfulness eMagazine

International Cities of Peace

J. FREDERICK ARMENT is in conversation with CHRISTINE JONES about his organization, International Cities of Peace, as well as other ways he promotes peace in the world. The foundation of it all is the importance of relationship, community, and love. This is the first of a series of conversations.

time-read
7 mins  |
September 2024
THE SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE
Heartfulness eMagazine

THE SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE

SARA BUBBER shares a story from the Upanishads about knowledge, communication, truthfulness, and courage. She then gives us a few reflections and an activity to connect with Nature.

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
Serving Smiles: FROM HEART TO TABLE
Heartfulness eMagazine

Serving Smiles: FROM HEART TO TABLE

NIROOP PRABHAKAR owns and runs the restaurant 615chutney in Nashville, Tennessee. 615chutney started as the only Indian food truck serving vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free South Indian food. Niroop's goal was to bring South Indian cuisine to the US. He believes that customer service is the key. The voices of his customers and employees matter to him. Here he is interviewed by the Heartfulness Wellness team.

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024