(StatePoint) With school bullying a growing issue that is prompting many states to adopt anti-bullying laws, parents need to learn to recognize signs of bullying and how to help their children deal with the problem.
For years, bullying was considered by many to be a normal part of growing up, a "rite of passage." That antiquated thinking is being replaced by more progressive understanding of peer abuse, its causes and consequences.
"Everyone asks me if bullying is any worse today than it was 30 years ago. The cruelty that kids perpetrate is the same but the weapons to achieve it are more sophisticated. With the Internet, Facebook and texting, students can't even escape bullying in their own homes," says survivor turned activist, Jodee Blanco, author of The New York Times bestseller, "Please Stop Laughing at Me..." and its award winning sequel, "Please Stop Laughing at Us."
Blanco, who travels the nation's schools sharing her story, says that when addressing students her message is two-fold: It's not just joking around, bullying damages you for life. And bullying isn't only the mean things you do, but the nice things you never do, like letting someone sit alone at lunch or walk to class alone -- such exclusion often hurts more than overt abuse.
Here are some tips to help children deal with bullying:
* Look for signs your child may be a victim of peer cruelty -- change in appetite, depression, fits of rage, frequent illnesses or faking sick, or spending too much time alone in his or her room.
* Fix the problem, not your kid. It's often what's right about a child that makes him or her a target. Encourage children not to change who they are for anyone, that who they are is wonderful and you're proud of their individuality.
* Don't tell your child to ignore bullies and walk away. Grown up logic doesn't work in teen situations. Tell your child to look the mean kid in the eye, show absolutely no emotion, and simply tell him or her to stop.
* Find an interim social outlet where your child can experience a fresh start with new faces. Contact the nearest park district and public library that do not feed into your school district and ask them to send you lists of their activities for kids, then enroll your child in an activity of choice.
* Be your child's advocate. Reach out to other parents whose children are being bullied and organize a coalition. Go up the ladder until you get results, starting with the school counselor all the way to the school board.
For more advice on preventing and dealing with bullying or to invite Jodee Blanco to speak at your child's school, visit jodeeblanco.com.
As Blanco frequently reminds bullying victims, "Standing up for yourself in the moment abuse occurs is your human right. Seeking vengeance later on is a mistake. So be brave, and speak up."
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Showing posts with label bully. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bully. Show all posts
Monday, August 9, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Nearly Three in Four Americans Say Bullying Serious Problem in Their Local Schools
/PRNewswire/ -- Nearly three-quarters of Americans consider bullying and harassment a serious problem in their local public schools, though not as serious as illegal drugs and lack of respect for teachers, according to a new survey by the nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization Public Agenda.
More than one-third of Americans (35 percent), including 39 percent of parents, say they were bullied themselves when growing up. But only 8 percent of the public and 10 percent of parents say they were bullied "a lot." These findings are based on a Public Agenda survey of 1,001 people, including 262 parents of children under 18, conducted from April 8 - 11, 2010.
The recent tragedy in South Hadley, Mass., where six teenagers currently face criminal charges in connection with bullying that prosecutors say led to the suicide of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, has reopened fresh debate over how pervasive bullying is in American schools and what can be done about it.
Public Agenda found that 74 percent of those surveyed say bullying and harassment are serious problems in their local schools, with 47 percent calling these actions "very serious" problems. Roughly three-quarters (76 percent) of the public say illegal drugs and students treating teachers with a lack of respect are serious problems, with 53 percent calling illegal drugs and 50 percent saying disrespect for teachers was "very serious."
Parents are actually slightly less concerned about these problems than the public overall. Sixty-nine percent of parents say bullying is a serious problem (40 percent say "very serious"), seventy percent say disrespect for teachers is a serious problem (45 percent say "very serious"), and 68 percent say illegal drugs are a serious problem (39 percent say "very serious").
Physical fighting and cheating in schools are lesser concerns for both the total public (59 percent and 55 percent, respectively) and parents (55 percent for fighting, 48 percent for cheating).
Adults who say they were bullied in school are more likely to say bullying is a "very serious" problem (49 percent versus 42 percent of those who said they weren't bullied). Men are more likely to say they were bullied (41 percent compared with 30 percent of women), but women are more likely to consider bullying a "very serious" problem (53 percent of women compared with 41 percent of men).
For full results of this survey, visit: www.publicagenda.org/pages/bullying-2010.
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More than one-third of Americans (35 percent), including 39 percent of parents, say they were bullied themselves when growing up. But only 8 percent of the public and 10 percent of parents say they were bullied "a lot." These findings are based on a Public Agenda survey of 1,001 people, including 262 parents of children under 18, conducted from April 8 - 11, 2010.
The recent tragedy in South Hadley, Mass., where six teenagers currently face criminal charges in connection with bullying that prosecutors say led to the suicide of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, has reopened fresh debate over how pervasive bullying is in American schools and what can be done about it.
Public Agenda found that 74 percent of those surveyed say bullying and harassment are serious problems in their local schools, with 47 percent calling these actions "very serious" problems. Roughly three-quarters (76 percent) of the public say illegal drugs and students treating teachers with a lack of respect are serious problems, with 53 percent calling illegal drugs and 50 percent saying disrespect for teachers was "very serious."
Parents are actually slightly less concerned about these problems than the public overall. Sixty-nine percent of parents say bullying is a serious problem (40 percent say "very serious"), seventy percent say disrespect for teachers is a serious problem (45 percent say "very serious"), and 68 percent say illegal drugs are a serious problem (39 percent say "very serious").
Physical fighting and cheating in schools are lesser concerns for both the total public (59 percent and 55 percent, respectively) and parents (55 percent for fighting, 48 percent for cheating).
Adults who say they were bullied in school are more likely to say bullying is a "very serious" problem (49 percent versus 42 percent of those who said they weren't bullied). Men are more likely to say they were bullied (41 percent compared with 30 percent of women), but women are more likely to consider bullying a "very serious" problem (53 percent of women compared with 41 percent of men).
For full results of this survey, visit: www.publicagenda.org/pages/bullying-2010.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
Don't Wait To Discuss Sexting With Your Child Or Teen
(NAPSI)-Digital technology connects children in a way that no previous generation has experienced, with social media sites such as Facebook and MySpace surpassing e-mail as the preferred method of communication.
Although kids today may be more digitally savvy than their parents, their lack of maturity and life experience can land them in hot water for abusing these new social tools. For this reason, parents should help children navigate this online social landscape.
It's important that children and teens learn about the dangers lurking in the digital world. Online bullying can be vicious and easy since it all takes place behind a keyboard. Children and parents have been charged with crimes for spreading rumors or publishing personal information about others online.
Another way trouble can arise is through "sexting." Sexting is sending a text message, via cell phone, that contains inappropriate photographs--or links to photos--of people naked or engaged in sex acts. According to a recent survey, about 20 percent of teen boys and girls have sent such messages. Texts like these can be emotionally devastating and have serious legal implications for senders and receivers. Parents should discuss the consequences of sexting as soon as a child has a cell phone. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to start these conversations:
• Talk to your kids, even if the issue hasn't directly affected your community. "Have you heard of sext ing? Tell me what you think it is." First learn what your child knows about the issue and then add to it an age-appropriate explanation.
• Use examples appropriate for your child's age. Alert younger children with cell phones that text messages should never contain pictures of naked people.
• Make sure kids of all ages understand that sexting is serious and considered a crime in many jurisdictions when minors are involved. Possible consequences include police involvement, suspension from school, and notes on the sexter's permanent record that could hurt the child's chances of getting into college or getting a job.
• Impress upon children the emotional effects this dangerous game can have on others.
• Peer pressure can play a major role in the sending of texts. Parties can be a contributing factor, so collect cell phones at social gatherings to reduce this temptation.
• Monitor media headlines for articles about sexting that illustrate the very real dangers for both senders and receivers of offensive images. Ask children questions such as "Have you seen this story? What did you think about it?"
• Encourage school and town assemblies to educate parents, teachers and students.
For tips and more information about social media safety, talk with your pediatrician or visit www.aap.org.
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Although kids today may be more digitally savvy than their parents, their lack of maturity and life experience can land them in hot water for abusing these new social tools. For this reason, parents should help children navigate this online social landscape.
It's important that children and teens learn about the dangers lurking in the digital world. Online bullying can be vicious and easy since it all takes place behind a keyboard. Children and parents have been charged with crimes for spreading rumors or publishing personal information about others online.
Another way trouble can arise is through "sexting." Sexting is sending a text message, via cell phone, that contains inappropriate photographs--or links to photos--of people naked or engaged in sex acts. According to a recent survey, about 20 percent of teen boys and girls have sent such messages. Texts like these can be emotionally devastating and have serious legal implications for senders and receivers. Parents should discuss the consequences of sexting as soon as a child has a cell phone. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to start these conversations:
• Talk to your kids, even if the issue hasn't directly affected your community. "Have you heard of sext ing? Tell me what you think it is." First learn what your child knows about the issue and then add to it an age-appropriate explanation.
• Use examples appropriate for your child's age. Alert younger children with cell phones that text messages should never contain pictures of naked people.
• Make sure kids of all ages understand that sexting is serious and considered a crime in many jurisdictions when minors are involved. Possible consequences include police involvement, suspension from school, and notes on the sexter's permanent record that could hurt the child's chances of getting into college or getting a job.
• Impress upon children the emotional effects this dangerous game can have on others.
• Peer pressure can play a major role in the sending of texts. Parties can be a contributing factor, so collect cell phones at social gatherings to reduce this temptation.
• Monitor media headlines for articles about sexting that illustrate the very real dangers for both senders and receivers of offensive images. Ask children questions such as "Have you seen this story? What did you think about it?"
• Encourage school and town assemblies to educate parents, teachers and students.
For tips and more information about social media safety, talk with your pediatrician or visit www.aap.org.
-----
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Monday, September 28, 2009
Fourth Annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week Is Oct. 4 - 10, 2009
/PRNewswire/ -- As part of PACER Center's fourth annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, Oct. 4-10, 2009, children, teens, adults, schools, and communities across the country are encouraged to partner with PACER to prevent bullying. The movement is being given a boost with the launch of PACERTeensAgainstBullying.org -- a relevant, edgy Web site created by and for teens. In addition to videos, stories, blogs, and social networking, the site features a toolbox of things teens and schools can do to address bullying -- from creating their own videos to performing role plays for younger students.
Every day, more than 160,000 children nationwide stay home from school to avoid bullying. Up to one-third of the nation's students are bullied during the academic year, and more than 60 percent witness bullying daily. The results of bullying can be devastating -- or even tragic.
"It's time to take action," said Paula Goldberg, PACER's executive director. "Teachers, parents, students, and adults throughout each community must work together to create a climate that doesn't accept bullying."
In addition to visiting PACERTeensAgainstBullying.org for teens and PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org for elementary school children, people can help prevent bullying in several ways. Free activities to help reduce bullying in schools, recreational programs, and community groups, and materials such as contests, classroom toolkits, and more are available at PACER.org. Organizations and schools can partner with PACER by sending an e-mail to bullying411@PACER.org with the name of their school or organization, their Web site URL, and a note about what their school is doing to support bullying prevention. Partners are listed on PACER's bullying prevention Web sites.
The week is sponsored by PACER's National Center for Bullying Prevention, which is for all children, including those with disabilities. It promotes national bullying awareness and teaches effective ways to respond to bullying. National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week is cosponsored by the American Federation for Teachers, National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, National Education Association, and School Social Work Association of America.
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Every day, more than 160,000 children nationwide stay home from school to avoid bullying. Up to one-third of the nation's students are bullied during the academic year, and more than 60 percent witness bullying daily. The results of bullying can be devastating -- or even tragic.
"It's time to take action," said Paula Goldberg, PACER's executive director. "Teachers, parents, students, and adults throughout each community must work together to create a climate that doesn't accept bullying."
In addition to visiting PACERTeensAgainstBullying.org for teens and PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org for elementary school children, people can help prevent bullying in several ways. Free activities to help reduce bullying in schools, recreational programs, and community groups, and materials such as contests, classroom toolkits, and more are available at PACER.org. Organizations and schools can partner with PACER by sending an e-mail to bullying411@PACER.org with the name of their school or organization, their Web site URL, and a note about what their school is doing to support bullying prevention. Partners are listed on PACER's bullying prevention Web sites.
The week is sponsored by PACER's National Center for Bullying Prevention, which is for all children, including those with disabilities. It promotes national bullying awareness and teaches effective ways to respond to bullying. National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week is cosponsored by the American Federation for Teachers, National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, National Education Association, and School Social Work Association of America.
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Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New Children's Book Addresses Cyber Bullying
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On January 1, 2009, California joined the growing number of states that have passed laws against Cyber Bullying. The School Cyber Bullying Law (AB 86) allows school officials to suspend or expel students for Cyber Bullying, or harassment and intimidation via the Internet.
Today's bully has a new playground; computers, cell phones and social networking sites. What was once known as teasing face to face, playing practical jokes, and making prank phone calls has evolved into a generation of bullies that hides behind the veil of computer screens and cell phones.
Creators of the renowned children's book series, Temptation of a Generation, have released their third book that tackles the tough issues today's pre-teens face with technology.
Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In educates children and parents about cyber bullying, a topic rampant in schools across the country affecting kids as young as seven-years-old.
Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In tells the story of a group of tweens who become victims to cyber bullies. On their way to discovering more positive ways to deal with these new found issues, the tweens become bullies themselves. Through the help of positive adults and a magical keyboard, they learn not to succumb to the lure of cyber bullying and realize that there are better ways to fit in and make friends.
"Bullying has always existed among youth, but today's bullying seems to have more devastating effects. The mode of delivery is much faster, and reaches inordinate amounts of people," states Karen Child Ogden, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and contributor to the series. "Once kids post a message on a social networking site or cell phone it can never be erased. Kids don't understand the consequences of their behavior with regard to cyber bullying, and neither do most parents."
Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In teaches children and parents how easy it is to become a cyber bully, or to be bullied online. Studies show 42% of children have been bullied while online, while 58% have not told their parents about something mean or hurtful that happened to them while surfing the net.(1) The ramifications of cyber bullying are far-reaching and include depression, anxiety, school absence, and even death. The number of kids who take their lives due to cyber bullying grows each day.
Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In ($9.99 US) is available online at www.amazon.com and www.beyondyourwords.com.
The Temptation Series tackles tough topics relating to tweens and technology such as Internet pornography, cell phone use and abuse, and cyber bullying. The series offers parents information and tools for raising their children to become more emotionally and socially healthy.
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Today's bully has a new playground; computers, cell phones and social networking sites. What was once known as teasing face to face, playing practical jokes, and making prank phone calls has evolved into a generation of bullies that hides behind the veil of computer screens and cell phones.
Creators of the renowned children's book series, Temptation of a Generation, have released their third book that tackles the tough issues today's pre-teens face with technology.
Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In educates children and parents about cyber bullying, a topic rampant in schools across the country affecting kids as young as seven-years-old.
Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In tells the story of a group of tweens who become victims to cyber bullies. On their way to discovering more positive ways to deal with these new found issues, the tweens become bullies themselves. Through the help of positive adults and a magical keyboard, they learn not to succumb to the lure of cyber bullying and realize that there are better ways to fit in and make friends.
"Bullying has always existed among youth, but today's bullying seems to have more devastating effects. The mode of delivery is much faster, and reaches inordinate amounts of people," states Karen Child Ogden, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and contributor to the series. "Once kids post a message on a social networking site or cell phone it can never be erased. Kids don't understand the consequences of their behavior with regard to cyber bullying, and neither do most parents."
Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In teaches children and parents how easy it is to become a cyber bully, or to be bullied online. Studies show 42% of children have been bullied while online, while 58% have not told their parents about something mean or hurtful that happened to them while surfing the net.(1) The ramifications of cyber bullying are far-reaching and include depression, anxiety, school absence, and even death. The number of kids who take their lives due to cyber bullying grows each day.
Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In ($9.99 US) is available online at www.amazon.com and www.beyondyourwords.com.
The Temptation Series tackles tough topics relating to tweens and technology such as Internet pornography, cell phone use and abuse, and cyber bullying. The series offers parents information and tools for raising their children to become more emotionally and socially healthy.
-----
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www.georgiafrontpage.com
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