Global Alliance for Preventing Relational Aggression (GAPRA) Takes Pro-Social Skills Stance

Aug. 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Many organizations have been formed as “anti-bullying” platforms that “fight bullying.” However, the Global Alliance for Preventing Relational Aggression (GAPRA), takes a pro-social skills approach to prevent relational aggression (RA), a.k.a. emotional bullying. This type of bullying begins as early as age 2.5, and it can lead to truancy, depression and suicide among children. In order to introduce its positive approach, GAPRA is hosting a two-part informational teleclass, “How to Affordably Equip Your Entire Community to Prevent Emotional Bullying with GAPRA Membership” on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Central Time. Questions about GAPRA will be answered on a second call on Thursday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Registration is free at http://www.gapraconnect.com/info-call-sept-2011/.

“GAPRA focuses on the skills and strategies needed to prevent bullying rather than stopping bullying,” said Jane Balvanz, a school counselor for grades K-6 and co-founder of GAPRA. “Children really need good social skills to get through bullying situations. Through GAPRA’s training, adults can help them develop those skills, such as the specific speak-up strategies that can quickly defuse emotional bullying when it occurs.”

Annual membership in GAPRA offers schools and youth organizations affordable RA prevention training sessions for all staff members, volunteers, group leaders and parents. All training calls are recorded so members can listen at their convenience. Membership also includes a GAPRA binder, RA prevention tips, calls with faculty experts, an audio download and a discount on products.

“We have to remember that a bullying experience can be an excellent opportunity for growth,” said Wagner. “When my daughter went through some very painful friendship problems, it was tempting to jump into the middle of the situation. But I wanted her to learn from it, so we discovered which skills she needed to respond to the situation and practiced them. She was able to resolve the issues with dignity.”

“Now, with GAPRA, we are providing affordable training to all schools and organizations that work with youth. Our members — including teachers, administrators, youth group leaders and parents — can receive this training regardless of where they live and work,” said Wagner.

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The Global Alliance for Preventing Relational Aggression equips schools and youth organizations with training, tools and support to reduce emotional bullying. The GAPRA co-founders also developed When Girls Hurt Girls®, an award-winning series of CDs, educational guides and other products, to empower girls in grades K-8 to solve their own friendship problems. For details, visit http://www.gapraconnect.com.