Lorain School Resource Officer Talks Bullying Prevention with Second Graders at Helen Steiner Rice Elementary

School Resource Officer Dave Kusznir paid a special visit to Helen Steiner Rice Elementary today to talk with second-grade students about a very important topic: bullying and how to prevent it.

With warmth and humor, Officer Kusznir led an engaging conversation that helped students understand what bullying looks like, why it happens, and how they can respond in kind and constructive ways. From the start, he encouraged students to speak up and share their thoughts.

“What do you think a bully is?” he asked. Hands shot up around the room as students chimed in: “Someone who’s mean to everybody,” said one child. “Someone might be jealous,” added another. “Maybe something’s going on at home,” one student thoughtfully offered.

Kusznir praised their insights and used real-world examples to help them better understand how bullying affects others. He acted out a scenario where a student moves to a new school and is mocked every day for his appearance. “How do you think that would make me feel?” he asked. The students quickly responded: “Really bad.”

The conversation turned to what students can do when they see someone being bullied. Suggestions included talking to a trusted adult, offering kindness, standing up for others, and including everyone in activities—like inviting a new classmate to play soccer during recess.

“Do you know what it means to accept someone?” Kusznir asked. “It means to include them. It can make a big difference when someone feels left out.”

Officer Kusznir also talked about the concept of a bystander—someone who sees bullying happening but doesn’t do anything. “If someone is getting pushed every day and no one speaks up, how do you think that makes them feel?” he asked. The students agreed that being silent can make things worse and that standing together as a class can help stop bullying.

The conversation even touched on name-calling and how words can hurt, especially when they’re aimed at someone’s family. “Why do you think people get upset when someone talks about their parents?” Kusznir asked. One student responded, “Because they care for you,” while another added, “You don’t want people being mean to them.”

Perhaps one of the most powerful lessons Officer Kusznir shared was about not giving bullies “free rent in your head.”

“When someone says something mean to you, you can choose not to let it get to you,” he said. “Don’t give them the power to make you upset.”

The session ended with laughter, learning, and a renewed sense of community among the students. Kusznir’s visit was part of an ongoing effort by Lorain City Schools to foster safe environments and support students’ emotional and social growth.

“You’re all in this school together,” Kusznir told them. “So let’s make it the best it can be—by treating each other with kindness, respect, and understanding.”