Peaceful Playgrounds, Inc.

10/29/2026

I've been noticing quite a few media articles on students leaving campus during school hours. Good time to repost this Featured Article by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer

Understanding School Supervision: Responsibilities When Students Leave Campus Without Permission by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer, The Recess Doctor Principal's Supervision Responsibilities

10/27/2026

Bullying isn’t just a playground problem—it's a life lesson in good vs. evil.

At school, bullying represents the “evil” of harming others, while those who step up to stop it embody the “good.” But here’s the challenge: most bullying happens out of sight of adults and in front of peers who often do nothing.

Silence = approval of the bully
Speaking up = stopping bullying nearly 50% of the time

That means bystanders hold the key. When schools teach empathy, pro-social behavior, and the courage to act, students learn they can be heroes in waiting.

Every act of intervention, no matter how small, can shift the culture from fear to safety.
Want to explore how we can turn bystanders into everyday heroes?

Read the full article by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer, The Recess Doctor → https://peacefulplaygrounds.com/bullying-prevention/

10/23/2026

https://www.kolotv.com/2026/10/22/lt-gov-anthony-proposes-bill-mandating-recess-nevada-elementary-school-students/

Nevada Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony says he will propose a bill guaranteeing a minimum of 30 minutes of recess for Nevada elementary school students.

10/21/2026

Some parents want Mandatory Recess in Maryland.

https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/should-recess-be-mandatory-in-maryland-schools-these-parents-say-yes/

Want to learn more on how to deal with Mandatory Recess?
https://peacefulplaygrounds.com/resources-2/mandatory-recess/

A new advocacy group says daily recess provides children with the benefits of better emotional health and improved classroom performance, with research to back it up.

10/20/2026

Bullying isn’t just about the bully and the victim. The real game-changer? Empathy.
When students learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with compassion, schools become safer and stronger.

Without empathy: children may struggle to connect, ignore peers in pain, or even encourage bullying.

With empathy: kids comfort classmates, bystanders step in, and positive school climates thrive.

The good news: empathy can be taught. From role-play to storytelling to programs like Roots of Empathy, schools have the power to nurture compassion at every age.
Want to learn how empathy can transform bullying prevention in schools?

Read the full article by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer, The Recess Doctor → https://peacefulplaygrounds.com/bullying-prevention-is-empathy-the-key//

10/18/2026

Is your school suffering from bullying incidents on the playground?

Good news, This Bullying Compliance and Prevention Course is an online on-demand course designed for Administrators, teachers, aides, after-school staff, parents, and park personnel. The online class is designed for those who want to learn more about the specific challenges, best practices, and legal obligations when supervising children in the school setting.

Only approx. 2 hours to complete. ORDER NOW https://peacefulplaygrounds.com/courses/bullying-compliance-training/

10/17/2026

When does a school’s failure to respond to bullying become a legal liability?

A recent California appellate court ruling offers an important warning for school leaders.
In E.I. v. El Segundo Unified School District, a student who experienced ongoing bullying was awarded $1 million in damages. The court found that while some disciplinary decisions may be discretionary, failing to follow a district’s own bullying-response policies can be an operational failure — and schools can be held accountable.

Documentation alone isn't enough. If bullying continues after it has been reported, schools need to demonstrate that they took consistent, ongoing steps to address it.
This isn't simply about avoiding a lawsuit. It's about creating a school environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Read the full article by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer on the Peaceful Playgrounds website.
https://peacefulplaygrounds.com/featured-articles-members/when-schools-fail-to-act-a-recent-court-ruling-on-bullying-liability/

10/16/2026

NAESP - Beyond the bell
Creating safe, supportive environments for children starts with a strong partnership between schools and families and caregivers. Small, everyday actions can help children develop confidence, empathy, and healthy relationships. This edition of Beyond the Bell: Family and Caregiver Resource features age-appropriate strategies families can use to reinforce these lessons at home.
Go to website to download resources, or find in our Content Library. https://www.naesp.org/resource/at-home-strategies-for-bullying-prevention-and-school-safety/

10/12/2026

Bullying isn’t always visible. In fact, most of it happens where adults don’t see it—restrooms, lunchrooms, and playgrounds.

That’s why teachers play a crucial role in both recognizing warning signs and responding the right way.

What doesn’t work: zero tolerance, conflict resolution, isolated teacher responses
What does work: clear policies, consistent staff action, parent involvement, and building a positive school culture

Teachers can set the tone for safe schools by confronting bullying immediately, following up with accountability, and encouraging peer support for victims.
Want proven strategies for how teachers should respond to bullying?

Read the full article by Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer, The Recess Doctor → https://peacefulplaygrounds.com/how-teachers-should-respond-to-bullying/