Girl Scouts Learn The ABCs of Bullying Prevention from the Harlem Globetrotters

The internationally-acclaimed Harlem Globetrotters made a stop in Norfolk this weekend as part of their 90th anniversary tour. Prior to their game on Sunday afternoon, more than 200 Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts met with Sweet J, the 12th female member of the team, for a special program—The ABCs of Bullying Prevention.

Girl Scout Troop 615 with Sweet J

The program, which was designed in coordination with the National Campaign to Stop Violence (NCSV), focuses on teaching children about Action, Bravery and Compassion. During an interactive workshop, Sweet J talked to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts about how to take a stand against bullying behaviors.

“It’s important to stand up for one another and show others that you care about them,” Sweet J told the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

 

Yorktown Girl Scout Abriannah learns
ball-handling skills from Sweet J.

She also went over the types of bullying, including physical, verbal and cyber, and gave the children in the audience an opportunity to share ways that they can take action against bullying behaviors that they witness or experience. Before the end of the workshop, Sweet J gave some lucky audience members the chance to try out some of the ball-handling skills she shared with them. After the workshop, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts enjoyed watching the Harlem Globetrotters take on the World All-Stars.

An estimated six out of 10 teens witness bullying at least once a day. Both the Harlem Globetrotters and the Girl Scouts believe that reaching children with bullying prevention tips early in their lives can teach valuable lessons in character and empathy. Through The ABCs of Bullying Prevention, the Harlem Globetrotters hope to show children that they can offer support to one another to help stop bullying.