STUDENTS WITH INTEGRITY SHOWING HARMONY

At S.W.I.S.H. (Students With Integrity, Showing Harmony), our mission is to foster a bully-free environment in elementary and middle schools by harnessing the unifying power of basketball. Through promoting integrity, respect, and teamwork, we aim to create a safe and inclusive community where every student feels valued and supported. By engaging students in basketball activities, we build friendships, enhance social skills, and cultivate a harmonious school culture where bullying has no place.

Bullying Statistics (2023):

In 2023, bullying remained a significant issue in the United States, with alarming statistics highlighting the need for effective intervention:

• According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 20% of students aged 12-18 reported being bullied at school.
• Approximately 41% of students who reported being bullied indicated that the bullying occurred at least once or twice a month.
• Cyberbullying continued to rise, with 15% of students reporting being bullied online or via text.

Why It’s Important:

Bullying can have severe and long-lasting effects on children, including anxiety, depression, and decreased academic performance. Addressing bullying in its early stages, particularly in elementary and middle school, is crucial for several reasons:

1. Mental Health and Well-being: Creating a safe and supportive environment helps protect students’ mental health, fostering resilience and self-esteem.
2. Academic Success: Students who feel safe and supported are more likely to engage in their studies and perform better academically.
3. Social Development: Encouraging positive interactions through team sports like basketball helps students develop essential social skills, such as cooperation, empathy, and communication.
4. Inclusive Community: Promoting integrity and harmony cultivates an inclusive school culture where diversity is celebrated, and every student feels a sense of belonging.
5. Preventing Future Bullying: Early intervention can reduce the likelihood of bullying behavior persisting into later school years and adulthood.

By integrating basketball into our anti-bullying efforts, S.W.I.S.H. aims to provide students with a fun and engaging way to connect with their peers, build lasting friendships, and develop the values of respect and teamwork. Together, we can create a school