Resources For Teachers

Turning Teachers Into Kindness Advocates

On July 21, 2017 Luken T. Boyle was taken from us suddenly, unexpectedly and tragically. We were so caught off guard and shocked that we didn’t know where to turn or what steps to take.

Rather than focus on the cyber-bullying that led to Luken’s death we decided to focus on Spreading Kindness To Save Lives. 

Since 2018 we have equipped over twenty (20) Kindness Rooms in K-12 schools in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Our goal is to provide spaces for children to come together to experience kindness and commit acts of kindness. 

Along the way Principals, Teachers, and Counselors have shared that in many cases they are uncomfortable with addressing the bullying that they experience and observe. So, we’ve launched this resource page to build knowledge, skills and confidence to proactively address bullying through kindness. 

What Blocks People from Stopping Bullying or Telling Others?

1. Fear of Retaliation

  • “If I say something, I’ll become the next target.”

  • Worry that stepping in will bring attention or backlash.

  • Fear of social exclusion, harassment, or even physical harm.

2. Desire to Fit In

  • Peer pressure or groupthink: wanting to blend in rather than stand out.

  • Silence can feel like the safer path when kindness might be seen as “uncool” or “weak.”

  • Loyalty to a friend group—even if they’re the ones being unkind.

3. Uncertainty or Confusion

  • Not being sure if what they witnessed counts as bullying.

  • Not knowing what to say or how to intervene safely.

  • Doubt about whether adults will believe them or take action.

4. Minimizing the Situation

  • “It’s not that big a deal.”

  • Believing it’s just a joke, drama, or something that will blow over.

  • Assuming the person being bullied can handle it or should “toughen up.”

5. Lack of Confidence or Skills

  • Feeling powerless or unsure of how to help.

  • Wanting to act but not knowing how to be an upstander instead of a bystander.

  • Worrying they’ll make things worse or say the wrong thing.

6. Cultural or Environmental Norms

  • A school, team, or workplace culture that tolerates “harmless” teasing or cliques.

  • Adults who dismiss or ignore bullying behavior.

  • Systems that lack clear reporting tools or emotional support structures.

7. Emotional Overload or Numbness

  • Feeling overwhelmed, desensitized, or emotionally exhausted.

  • Witnessing bullying so often that it starts to feel “normal.”

  • Using humor or detachment as a coping mechanism.

💡 What Can We Do About It?

  • Normalize kindness as strength, not weakness.

  • Equip students and adults with the words and actions to intervene safely and speak up with confidence.

  • Create real trust with adults—so students know someone will listen and act when they share.

  • Celebrate upstanders publicly, reinforcing that courage is cool.

  • Make kindness a core value, not just a poster on the wall.