We all know that bullying is a huge problem today. The ability to “cyber bully” has only increased the problem. We hear tragic stories of kids who have taken their own lives as a consequence of being bullied. America’s new First Lady has expressed a desire to address the problem of bullying.

It’s important to teach kids to choose their close friends very carefully. Proverbs 13:20, 22:24, 28:7, and 28:24 all warn of the importance of having companions of good character because of the influence they will have. How many kids have taken the wrong road because of getting in with the wrong kind of friends?

At the same time, kids should be taught to be friendly to everyone. Although you won’t find the word “bully” in the Bible, Proverbs 22:10 says that if a mocker is driven out, it puts an end to insults. Bullying could also be considered a form of oppression. Isaiah 1:17 tells us we should encourage the oppressed. As Christians, I think we are called to stand against bullying and encourage those who have been victims of it.

These little valentines I have designed offer an opportunity for your kids to add their support to the anti-bullying movement. There is room for them to add a little creativity by coloring the heart “faces” of the fist-bumping stick figures however they wish. It would be good to print them on paper that’s a little heavier than standard weight, if you can. Click here for the valentine print-out.

INSTRUCTION NOTES:

(1)Cut out the two valentines printed on each page.

(2)Color heart faces as desired. Coloring the three little hearts below the bottom line will add a touch of extra color. [They will be upright when valentine is folded later.]Colored pencils would probably work best.

(3)Fold up bottom toward back along line. Then fold valentines in thirds, as indicated by short lines above fold on bottom.

(4)On the outside of the “Happy Valentine’s Day” flap, write “To” and the name of the person to whom the valentine is being sent. On the outside of the “Say it’s not OK” flap, write “From” and the name of the person sending the valentine.

(5)Slide the bottom of the front page into the bottom fold on the second page to close it for delivery.