What is BELONG?
The Bullying, Empowerment, and Learning Online Network Group, also known as BELONG, is a free online group program led by trained facilitators, which supports middle school students (grades 6–8) who have experienced bullying. Over six weeks, students learn to identify bullying, develop problem-solving and coping strategies, and build peer connections.
What does the BELONG program look like?
If eligible, your child will join a weekly Zoom session for six weeks with a UNL graduate student facilitator and 4–5 same-age, same-gender peers who have also experienced bullying. Sessions focus on understanding bullying, building problem-solving and coping skills, and include weekly activities and questionnaires. After the program, students and their parents/guardians will be invited to participate in follow-up interviews to share feedback about BELONG.
*Parental consent and youth assent are required prior to student participation in BELONG
How do I refer a student?
To begin, complete the student nomination form using the links below. After submission, the project director will contact parents/guardians to determine their interest in participation. Interested families will complete screening materials to determine eligibility. If eligible, parental consent and youth assent will be obtained before participation (See flowchart below).
For more information about BELONG, please see our flyers:
How can I refer a student?
School Personnel:
To nominate a student, please click here to complete: BELONG Nomination Form
Once you complete the form, the BELONG project director will contact parents to determine if they are interested in their child participating.
How can I determine if my child is eligible to participate?
Parents and Caregivers:
To find out if your child is eligible, please click here to complete: BELONG Eligibility Form
Once you complete the form, the BELONG project director will contact you to inform you of your child's eligibility for participation in BELONG.
Testimonials
“I really liked meeting new people who have been through similar things. I liked learning how to think through and to respond to bullies.”
-8th Grade Participant
“I really loved this. It helped me talk about what’s happening with bullying. It also helped me meet new people. It is just perfect for me.”
-6th Grade Participant
“It was nice knowing I was not alone and that there are more people like me going through it too.”
-7th Grade Participant
Do you have questions? Contact us!
If you have questions about the program or would like to refer a student to BELONG, please contact Susan Swearer, supervising psychologist, and Emilea Rejman, project director at: belongproject@unl.edu