Did you know that October has been designated National Bullying Prevention Month?
Now is the time to talk with your child about bullying and behaviors she or he might be experiencing or witnessing. Bullying can be physical, emotional, verbal, in person, online, even via texting. Rather than asking how their day was when they come home, try some of these conversation starters:
- “I heard that October is Bullying Prevention Month. Have you learned about this at school?”
- “I thought we could talk about times you might have felt bullied or seen someone else get bullied.”
- “What do you think you can do to stop bullying?”
You can help your child stand up for him or herself and others by having these brief conversations at home and following through on educating them about the effects of bullying.
Tips for kids taken by the antibullying blog…
If You Are Being Harassed
- Talk to your parents or an adult you can trust, such as a teacher, school counselor, or principal. If the first adult you approach is not receptive, find another adult who will support and help you. There is someone who you can trust.
- It’s not useful to blame yourself for a bully’s actions. If bullies know they are getting to you, they are likely to torment you more. If at all possible, stay calm, say nothing and walk away. Act confident. Hold your head up, stand up straight, make eye contact, and walk confidently. A bully will be less likely to single you out if your project self-confidence.
- Try to make friends with other students. A bully is more likely to leave you alone if you are with your friends. This is especially true if you and your friends stick up for each other.
- Avoid situations where bullying can happen. If at all possible, avoid being alone with bullies. Be with someone when you walk home or use the restroom.
- Do not resort to violence or carry a gun or other weapon. Carrying a gun will not make you safer.
If Someone Else is Being Harassed
- Refuse to join in if you see someone being bullied.
- If you can do so without risk to your own safety, get a teacher, parent, or other responsible adult to come help immediately.
- Speak up and/or offer support to bullied teens when you witness bullying. If you feel you cannot do this at the time, privately support those being hurt with words of kindness or condolence later. Encourage them to tell someone.
- Always report harassment, even if it is anonymously.
About Cyber-Harassment
Victims of cyber-harassment can be reached anytime and anyplace and often they do not know the perpetrator. Damage done by cyberbullies is equal to other forms of harassment. Some protective tips are:
- Make your user name and online profile anonymous.
- Don’t open or read mail by cyberbullies.
- Don’t erase messages and show them to an adult you trust.
- If you are threatened with harm, ask and adult to help you call the police.
For more information and opportunities to get involved in this campaign, visit the following links:
- http://www.pacer.org/bullying/
- http://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/bullying-prevention-awareness-month
- http://www.nea.org/home/neabullyfree.html
- http://www.thebullyproject.com/
Christie Sears Thompson, MA