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 to Refer a Student
School Personnel:
Complete the Nomination Form to refer a student: BELONG Nomination Form
After submission, the project director will contact the student’s parent/guardian to confirm interest in participation.
How can I determine if my child is eligible to participate?
Parents and Caregivers:
Complete the Eligibility Form to see if your child is eligible: BELONG Eligibility Form
The BELONG project director will follow up with you regarding your child's eligibility and next steps.
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
“My child was just more positive and more confident. They looked forward to the group every week. They mentioned tools they learned from the group that they helped. BELONG is great and useful. They really liked that the other kids were their age, they felt included, and like they could relate to the other kids.”
-6th Grade Parent
“I think this is a great project! I think it's a good support and resource especially for kids that may be really going through bullying and for them to know that there is support out there, and that they don't have to be on their own.”
-7th Grade Parent
“It feels like it was very helpful for my child because they always got adults that they can talk to. But, having peer groups that are purely positive and supporting, especially when being able to relate to bullying was the most helpful for them. They always came out of the weekly meetings feeling very positive and good about things.”
-8th Grade Parent
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