Blog: The “Just Say Hi” Challenge

In December, I spoke with a group of 6th grade students about bullying at the Edwards Middle School in Charlestown, Massachusetts. At the end of the discussion, the students’ teacher gave them a challenge. She said that the easiest thing any student could do to help with bullying is to just say “hi” to those fellow students who are sitting alone, are ignored by others, or appear to be in need of a friend. Bullying makes a person feel excluded from the peer group; peer acknowledgment gives a sense of belonging. You don’t need to make the person your best friend, invite him or her to your birthday party, or include him or her in your inner social circle. Just say “hi”; let that person know that he or she is noticed. I thought the teacher’s challenge was wonderful. Peers hold the greatest power to prevent and stop bullying and, perhaps more importantly, to reverse the harm caused by bullying. Saying “hi” is a simple act that anyone can do that carries no social cost or risk. If you engage with school students, please pass this challenge along. – Ari Magnusson