Return to School Jitters

The new school year is upon us all. My 11 year old reminded me just prior to school starting that he was “ready to go back to school.” I am reminded that there are many young people that do not want to go back to school. Not because they dislike school and the education process, but that they dislike what occurs while they are in school. The excitement for these children is replaced by foreboding and fear. What am I talking about you may ask? Bullying!<br /><br /><br /><div> </div>Those youth who experience bullying tend to be more reluctant about attending school, especially when they are entering a grade which requires transitioning to a different school setting. Transition is an extremely difficult time, it means physically and emotionally they are going through changes. Bullying is defined as using superior strength or influence, aggressive behavior, or negative, unwanted actions to intimidate or otherwise make another person uncomfortable. These behaviors are usually reproduced over time and are generally used to force a person to do what the bully wants.<br /><br /><div> </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MQAeVbshSR7eCjMkU8ZCWCBHucjv5n7hWc-RalaDl4B6ccIEyAHGSoZdIziijrNQUJDy_EXLDAZFSo-yiFPezXDp9h07XA5UzcFjlfZlMkgeaucdKY3Z-5M49XULOlxZZQNnrel8Acxf/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MQAeVbshSR7eCjMkU8ZCWCBHucjv5n7hWc-RalaDl4B6ccIEyAHGSoZdIziijrNQUJDy_EXLDAZFSo-yiFPezXDp9h07XA5UzcFjlfZlMkgeaucdKY3Z-5M49XULOlxZZQNnrel8Acxf/s200/thumbnail.jpg" width="200" xaa="true" /></a>Most schools have what they believe are effective anti-bullying programs and campaigns. However, what is quite interesting is that most common place for bullying is in the playground estimated at 44%. The second most common place is in the classroom at 28%. This makes perfect sense if you observe the playground activities of most schools in your community. </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The playground is an area that has so many things going on. There are those children who play sports, kickball, basketball, football, soccer or some other sports. Then there are those children who are playing on the jungle gyms and outside play equipment. Lastly, there are those children who are off on their own, in cliques, or small group’s chit chatting or playing some other type of activity. But what many of us do not see is that the adults, those people who are supposed to supervisor our children, in most cases are parent volunteers. They are clumped together, talking amongst themselves. Parent volunteers are just that they are Lunch Moms and Dads who are helping out their school and community by offering supervision. But what lacks is that most of them receive little or no training in the area of dealing with and being able to identify when a child is being bullied. </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGY-TGuGHe4XUFnXBLtXCKq1ZiBEA_HoZ7NseHD7larzRmDynv1jQnqjfyZWgsct68uojAAlzjEdQkRcXJFTJx1bAsDL80PDtmU5HVObgJvweEMBQvdonxlZuc-ZElfTHFU74q1DR8Lwb/s1600/0_teenDrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGY-TGuGHe4XUFnXBLtXCKq1ZiBEA_HoZ7NseHD7larzRmDynv1jQnqjfyZWgsct68uojAAlzjEdQkRcXJFTJx1bAsDL80PDtmU5HVObgJvweEMBQvdonxlZuc-ZElfTHFU74q1DR8Lwb/s1600/0_teenDrug.jpg" xaa="true" /></a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Bullying is seldom an extremely overt act. In the early stages it is extremely subtle and quick. Only after a period of time of prolonged bullying does is it overt and aggressive. As a parent, you should be contacting your school and finding out what training the staff is given, ask the question about volunteers and lunch room staff. Because much of what causes those feeling of uneasiness are those moments on the playground or cafeteria where your child may become a target of bullying.</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>The Classroom</u></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next is the classroom, anti-bullying programs have focused on children and how they can deal they can prevent and deal with bullying. What training have your teachers in your community received? There is little training for teachers to learn how to identify bullying that occurs in the classroom. Much of what occurs in the classroom occurs while the teacher is in the classroom and in full view of the teacher. </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JetWt8wVi52QOfFjbmp38WRUKUSgjgtl1J-WhiGzlvOZP9KZ-ZjhjuBydQIiZg-jSanyJr0s8uPTVsvaO_i11jeTuxVahY4qDJLa165cyzZdpXTBattn3f6bzqA-TlnTJiUhhphZ_LoX/s1600/classroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JetWt8wVi52QOfFjbmp38WRUKUSgjgtl1J-WhiGzlvOZP9KZ-ZjhjuBydQIiZg-jSanyJr0s8uPTVsvaO_i11jeTuxVahY4qDJLa165cyzZdpXTBattn3f6bzqA-TlnTJiUhhphZ_LoX/s200/classroom1.jpg" width="200" xaa="true" /></a>Teachers need to not only learn that it occurs right in front of them, but that once they identify it, how they are going to address it properly in the classroom. By this meaning is the teacher going to place the “target” of the bullying into a more uncomfortable situation by assigning blame on the “target.”</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">According to children in school this all too frequently happens and this creates the belief in children that telling an adult does not help the problem. Parents need to stay active and learn what techniques their teachers are using to address bullying in school to prevent this type activity from continuing.</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">  </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Here are some tips that you can go over to help your child deal with bullying. </strong></div><br /><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Tell them to stop. </li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Walk away. Do not let them get to you. If you walk away or ignore them, they will not get that satisfaction. </li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Protect yourself. Sometimes you cannot walk away. If you are being physically hurt, protect yourself so that you can get away. </li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tell an adult you trust. Talking to someone could help you figure out the best ways to deal with the problem. In some cases, adults need to get involved for the bullying to stop. </li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Find a safe place. Go somewhere that you feel safe and secure like the library, a favorite teacher’s classroom, or the office.</li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Stick together. Stay with a group or individuals that you trust. </li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Find opportunities to make new friends. Explore your interests and join school or community activities such as sports, drama, or art. Volunteer or participate in community service.</li><br /></ul><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once your child has opened the door, help your child begin to problem-solve. You can role-play different situations and encourage your children to respond in a positive manner. You can also help your child meet new friends or join a new team or club.</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In order to avoid a “he-said, she-said” type argument with the parent of the accused bully, you should refrain from contacting the other parent. Instead, school personnel should be involved. You want to report the situation so the teachers and administrators of your children are aware of the brewing issue and can keep a closer eye while they are on school grounds.</div><br /><div>  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don’t let your child be another bully statistic. Teach your child how to avoid bullying and what to do if bullying occurs. If your child is involved in a bully situation encourage them to talk to a trust adult.</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div>

Return to School Jitters

The new school year is upon us all. My 11 year old reminded me just prior to school starting that he was “ready to go back to school.” I am ...

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Bullying in Schools Connected With Family Violence

A recent <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-21/bullying-in-schools-connected-with-family-violence-in-u-s-cdc-research.html">CDC Study on Bullying</a> from the U.S. Centers for Disease Cont<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1590689493"></span><span id="goog_1590689494"></span>rol and prevention showed that bullying behavior isn’t just limited to school settings and can be tied to violence in the home. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtw-wvfcoDvvafBRukierppqReG0iW7jkJ_3mxlqSfjQ_T5WlqPLpICSHhi4hbB1Gqv_BTGExo9ky5gPSx6dxJA-S_CkhcTQUdMrN_VHuTksoFgRJtzIW6SEY_W1u_Sd7s6stPsRfzr_nt/s1600/imagesCA1APO8R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtw-wvfcoDvvafBRukierppqReG0iW7jkJ_3mxlqSfjQ_T5WlqPLpICSHhi4hbB1Gqv_BTGExo9ky5gPSx6dxJA-S_CkhcTQUdMrN_VHuTksoFgRJtzIW6SEY_W1u_Sd7s6stPsRfzr_nt/s200/imagesCA1APO8R.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The study which was released on April 21, stated that students in middle and high school students who were either bullies or victims were four times more likely to be physically hurt by a family member than those who weren’t. The study was based upon surveys of Massachusetts students. The study also found bullies and victims were about three times more likely to witness family violence. <br /><br />Previous studies have linked the harassment to substance use, poor grades and mental illness. But that study found that about 44 percent of middle school students and 31 percent of high schoolers are involved in harassment incidents. The CDC stated that by knowing the full range of risks strategies may be created that will result in successful prevention efforts. <br /><br />“Bullying is a pervasive public health problem requiring comprehensive solutions,” according to the research, published today in the Atlanta-based CDC’s Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report. “The results underscore the importance of primary bullying prevention programs and of comprehensive programs and strategies that involve families.” <br /><br />Researchers analyzed data from the 2009 Massachusetts Youth Health Survey, which polled 2,859 middle schools students and 2,948 high schools students. Classes and schools were randomly selected, with a probability of school selection proportional to the number of students enrolled. <br /><br />Almost 27 percent of middle school students were bully victims versus 16 percent of high school students. About 7.5 percent of the middle school students were bullies, compared with 8.4 percent for the high school students. <br /><br />Students who were both bullies and victims accounted for 9.6 percent of middle school students and 6.5 percent of high school students, the data showed. <br /><br />The CDC did the study with the <a href="http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2agencylanding&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Department+of+Public+Health&sid=Eeohhs2">Massachusetts Department of Public Health</a>.

Bullying in Schools Connected With Family Violence

A recent CDC Study on Bullying from the U.S. Centers for Disease Cont rol and prevention showed that bullying behavior isn’t just limited t...

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The Effects of Bullying

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdoVNhE_CaCkVTRObWY3tO7dMJnrj9AF7ukAcuYFn7JgC9w2aQNf0ZYb-XBmf-RiMXK7S1QGWLZtKIfqy3eJJWWEoQnk_t3uMOOMtgmR71giGla80Xk7Q-8wXmAnKeN9p8pSqCRs9cBZ-/s1600/bullying22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdoVNhE_CaCkVTRObWY3tO7dMJnrj9AF7ukAcuYFn7JgC9w2aQNf0ZYb-XBmf-RiMXK7S1QGWLZtKIfqy3eJJWWEoQnk_t3uMOOMtgmR71giGla80Xk7Q-8wXmAnKeN9p8pSqCRs9cBZ-/s200/bullying22.jpg" width="200" /></a>Bullying has serious and lasting effects. While these effects may also be caused by other factors, research has found bullying has significant effects for those who are bullied, those who bully others, and those who witness bullying.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div></div><strong>People Who are Bullied: </strong><br /><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Have higher risk of depression and anxiety, including the following symptoms, that may persist into adulthood: </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Increased feelings of sadness and loneliness</li><li>Changes in sleep and eating patterns</li><li>Loss of interest in activities</li><li>Have increased thoughts about suicide that may persist into adulthood. In one study, adults who recalled being bullied in youth were 3 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts or inclinations.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtw-wvfcoDvvafBRukierppqReG0iW7jkJ_3mxlqSfjQ_T5WlqPLpICSHhi4hbB1Gqv_BTGExo9ky5gPSx6dxJA-S_CkhcTQUdMrN_VHuTksoFgRJtzIW6SEY_W1u_Sd7s6stPsRfzr_nt/s1600/imagesCA1APO8R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtw-wvfcoDvvafBRukierppqReG0iW7jkJ_3mxlqSfjQ_T5WlqPLpICSHhi4hbB1Gqv_BTGExo9ky5gPSx6dxJA-S_CkhcTQUdMrN_VHuTksoFgRJtzIW6SEY_W1u_Sd7s6stPsRfzr_nt/s200/imagesCA1APO8R.jpg" width="200" /></a>Are more likely to have health complaints. In one study, being bullied was associated with physical health status 3 years later.</li><li>Have decreased academic achievement (GPA and standardized test scores) and school participation.</li><li>Are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.</li><li>Are more likely to retaliate through extremely violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied.</li></ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div></div><strong>People Who Bully Others:</strong><br /><ul><li>Have a higher risk of abusing alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Are more likely to get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school.</li><li>Are more likely to engage in early sexual activity.</li><li>Are more likely to have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults. In one study, 60% of boys who bullied others in middle school had a criminal conviction by age 24.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Are more likely to be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses or children as adults.</li></ul><br /><strong>People Who Witness Bullying:</strong><br /><ul><li>Have increased use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49vTnlXnhWlEEMDAhT4W6Rus79ZkGrhrlmeMKwwJGDjhkq8jlyDTbwQJfstW2aep-7x0dpdkxLF24-CYSjqge81o7pXAa3PjXBja3qqicJfNuwF-I0PjVpuR8mjnrXcxciBeKrmYytzOv/s1600/imagesCA47CRNH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49vTnlXnhWlEEMDAhT4W6Rus79ZkGrhrlmeMKwwJGDjhkq8jlyDTbwQJfstW2aep-7x0dpdkxLF24-CYSjqge81o7pXAa3PjXBja3qqicJfNuwF-I0PjVpuR8mjnrXcxciBeKrmYytzOv/s200/imagesCA47CRNH.jpg" width="200" /></a>Have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.</li><li>Are more likely to miss or skip school.</li></ul><strong>Put Yourself in Their Shoes</strong><br /><ul><li>Consider how they must feel. If it seems like you are hurting them at all, stop.</li><li>Ask the person being bullied how they feel. Maybe they are afraid or too embarrassed to say something.</li><li>Do not let your friends bully others. If your friends are bullying others, help them see how they are hurting others.</li></ul><br /><div></div><strong>Make it Right</strong><br /><ul><li>Apologize. Sometimes telling someone you are sorry can go a long way.</li><li>Focus on doing things differently from now on. Although you cannot change what has happened, you can change how you treat others in the future.</li></ul><strong>Get Help</strong><br /><ul><li>Talk with an adult. They may have good ideas about what you can do to change how you treat others.</li><li>Ask for help. Seeing a counselor or a health professional may be helpful. Sometimes it is good to talk with someone who is not personally involved to help you find solutions. </li></ul><strong>Take a Stand Against Bullying</strong><br /><br /><div></div>Everyone has the right to feel safe in their school and community. If you see someone being bullied, you have the power to stop it.<br /><br /><div></div>By standing up for someone who is being bullied, you are not just helping someone else; you are also helping yourself. It is important to help others when you can.<br /><br /><div></div><strong>What to Do When Someone is Being Bullied </strong><br /><ul><li>Take a stand and do not join in. Make it clear that you do not support what is going on.</li><li>Do not watch someone being bullied. If you feel safe, tell the person to stop. If you do not feel safe saying something, walk away and get others to do the same. If you walk away and do not join in, you have taken their audience and power away.</li><li>Support the person being bullied. Tell them that you are there to help. Offer to either go with them to report the bullying or report it for them.</li><li>Talk to an adult you trust. Talking to someone could help you figure out the best ways to deal with the problem. Reach out to a parent, teacher or another adult that you trust to discuss the problem, especially if you feel like the person may be at risk of serious harm to themselves or others.</li></ul><br /><strong>Work to Prevent Bullying</strong><br /><br /><div></div>Bullying is less likely to occur when there are strong messages against it. Work with your school, community, or other groups to create and support these messages:<br /><ul><li>Get involved with your school and community to find ways to prevent bullying.</li><li>Create an assembly, performance, or event to spread the message.</li><li>Be a leader and teach younger kids that bullying is not okay and that they can stop bullying before it begins.</li></ul>

The Effects of Bullying

Bullying has serious and lasting effects. While these effects may also be caused by other factors, research has found bullying has significa...

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Bullying: What can you do about it!

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXkU3HMnhLc7LOOURyjKE7BOTrtiFU95ewcdwu4U2ZZJXFR7dyPgRZXpmq4dkP2nNwMrRsqFRHdVihIsErEzmXeTqbbbRViph6R2JItT9ZXOTkds62H44WSe52TIUFGPd8QgD6lMseRzg/s1600/thumbnailCAKLXXQO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXkU3HMnhLc7LOOURyjKE7BOTrtiFU95ewcdwu4U2ZZJXFR7dyPgRZXpmq4dkP2nNwMrRsqFRHdVihIsErEzmXeTqbbbRViph6R2JItT9ZXOTkds62H44WSe52TIUFGPd8QgD6lMseRzg/s200/thumbnailCAKLXXQO.jpg" width="148" /></a>If you have been bullied, it may affect you in many ways. You may not want to go to school or may find it hard to do your homework. You may be losing sleep, eating more or less than usual, having headaches or stomachaches, or getting sick more often. Know that you do not have to feel this way.</div><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>You are Important</u></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Do not blame yourself.</strong> It is easy to question whether you are the problem. But no matter what someone says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel.</div><br /><div> </div><strong>Be proud of who you are.</strong> No matter what they say, there are wonderful things about you. Keep those in mind instead of the disrespectful messages you get from the people who are bullying you.<br /><br /><div> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Do not be afraid to get help.</strong> Sometimes it helps to just talk to someone who is not personally involved. Teachers, counselors, and others are there to help. Seeing a counselor or other professional does not mean there is something wrong with you. </div><br /><strong>What to Do When You Are Being Bullied</strong><br /><br /><div> </div>The first priority is always your safety. Here are some strategies for you to consider:<br /><br /><ul><li>Tell them to stop. </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MQAeVbshSR7eCjMkU8ZCWCBHucjv5n7hWc-RalaDl4B6ccIEyAHGSoZdIziijrNQUJDy_EXLDAZFSo-yiFPezXDp9h07XA5UzcFjlfZlMkgeaucdKY3Z-5M49XULOlxZZQNnrel8Acxf/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MQAeVbshSR7eCjMkU8ZCWCBHucjv5n7hWc-RalaDl4B6ccIEyAHGSoZdIziijrNQUJDy_EXLDAZFSo-yiFPezXDp9h07XA5UzcFjlfZlMkgeaucdKY3Z-5M49XULOlxZZQNnrel8Acxf/s200/thumbnail.jpg" width="200" /></a>Walk away. Do not let them get to you. If you walk away or ignore them, they will not get that satisfaction. </li><li>Protect yourself. Sometimes you cannot walk away. If you are being physically hurt, protect yourself so that you can get away. </li><li>Tell an adult you trust. Talking to someone could help you figure out the best ways to deal with the problem. In some cases, adults need to get involved for the bullying to stop. </li><li>Find a safe place. Go somewhere that you feel safe and secure like the library, a favorite teacher’s classroom, or the office.</li><li>Stick together. Stay with a group or individuals that you trust. </li><li>Find opportunities to make new friends. Explore your interests and join school or community activities such as sports, drama, or art. Volunteer or participate in community service.</li></ul><br /><div> </div>You may feel pressured to bully others if your friends are doing it. You may think that you will no longer be popular or that you may be bullied yourself if you do not join in. <br /><br /><div> </div>Sometimes you may think that you are just joking around but your words and your actions may actually be hurting someone.<br /><br /><div> </div>Did you know that teens who bully are more likely to have poor grades, drop out of school, use drugs, or commit crimes? <br /><br /><div> </div>

Bullying: What can you do about it!

If you have been bullied, it may affect you in many ways. You may not want to go to school or may find it hard to do your homework. You may ...

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Parent Tips: 10 Tips to Protect Your Child from Bullying!

<ol><li>The child who is bullying others wants social success, but doesn't know how to attain it. He's grabbing for it, instead of being kind, interested in others, and empathetic. </li><li>Your child doesn't need your rejection or anger, he's getting more than enough of that at school. He needs your support, and your skills. </li><li>Kids who bully are hypersensitive, and often feel a bit paranoid, as though people are out to “get” them. They aren't skilled at reading social situations, and they often register unintentional slights or accidents as direct attacks. </li><li>Kids tend to initially like a child who bullies; they try to please him, follow his lead, and want to be his friend. This doesn't last—as kids become more frightened of him, he loses clout. </li><li>Your child may need help understanding social structure. He doesn't know how to contribute to others, or to share. </li><li>“Boys will be boys” is not a valid excuse for bullying behavior. </li><li>The kid who is bullying others often gets into trouble, but always has a scapegoat. </li><li>Don't label or let others label him a bully. People can change, and aggressive tendencies can be channeled. </li><li>Consider that chronic aggression may be a sign of a learning disability or other problems. </li><li>Don't pity your child, but take action to improve his communication skills. Let him know why is having trouble making friends, “Joe, kids aren't friends with people who hit them and are angry all the time.” </li></ol><br /><div></div>

Parent Tips: 10 Tips to Protect Your Child from Bullying!

The child who is bullying others wants social success, but doesn't know how to attain it. He's grabbing for it, instead of being kin...

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6 ways to prevent kids from becoming the bully, the target or a bystander.

Because of recent events in the news about bullying, in particular involving gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender youth many adults are now treading into difficult territory, to say the least. For educators that this can be even more difficult because of the personal nature of the issue. However, the basic issues that surround all youth who are targets of bullies do not change. Therefore the methods that we need to impart to them is the same also.<br /><br /><div> </div><ol><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm0-jY9rAFX0Ki_HQOEBu4A8Gh8R7uAQnr1hvGeIl4mBWqhiD03BeaoCHSJ7IpomMPeOGznXblRKKU0o7gpx-MRatWqoyrKpAAQmNYbM7N0fBZccJSE8ImDFwuxMSZtmFBcoq1bJU7L8r/s1600/bully.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm0-jY9rAFX0Ki_HQOEBu4A8Gh8R7uAQnr1hvGeIl4mBWqhiD03BeaoCHSJ7IpomMPeOGznXblRKKU0o7gpx-MRatWqoyrKpAAQmNYbM7N0fBZccJSE8ImDFwuxMSZtmFBcoq1bJU7L8r/s200/bully.bmp" width="200" /></a> Understand bullying which is a pattern of behavior where one child uses physical or mental tactics to belittle another.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Know why kids are bullied—children are targeted due to their physical appearance, passive behavior, the belief that somone is different than themselves, such as GLBT issues. Even possibly that the target just stand out to their peers for a reason only known to the bully.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Know the signs– Bullied children often suffer from absences, poor grades, violent behavior and low self-esteem. Children may exhibit trouble sleeping, wanting to stay home from school and withdrawing from friends.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Model Appropriate behavior— We must walk the walk, by teaching our youth that nobody has the right to hurt another person. Foster behaviors that reduce the risk of raising a bully, target or bystander.</li><li>Talk about it — Teach parents to make regular discussions about school, friends and social issues. </li><li>Address the issue—As educators it is important that we address the problems at school quickly, fairly and with appropriate punishment.</li></ol><br /><div> Remember as educators we need to be role-models for our youth. We should not be bullying or peers or disrespecting them in front of youth, it only sends mixed messages and foster acceptance of the bullying type mentality.</div>

6 ways to prevent kids from becoming the bully, the target or a bystander.

Because of recent events in the news about bullying, in particular involving gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender youth many adults are no...

Read more »