Christian Counseling Center

Stop Bullying Now!

What is Bullying?
A lot of young people have a good idea of what bullying is because they see it every day! Bullying happens when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose and the person being bullied has a hard time defending himself or herself. Usually, bullying happens over and over.

• Punching, shoving, and other acts that hurt people physically
• Spreading bad rumors about people
• Keeping certain people out of a "group"
• Teasing people in a mean way
• Getting certain people to "gang up" on others

Bullying also can happen online or electronically. Cyberbullying is when children or teens bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This can include:

• Sending mean text, email, or instant messages
• Posting nasty pictures or messages about others in blogs or on Web sites
• Using someone else's user name to spread rumors or lies about someone.

Tips for Parents
Bullying among children is aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power and strength. Parents are often reluctant to report to educators that their child is being bullied. Why?

• Parents may be unsure how best to help their child and may be afraid that they will make the situation worse if they report bullying.
• They may be embarrassed that their child is being bullied.
• Sometimes, children ask parents not to report bullying.
• Parents may fear being seen as overprotective.
• They may believe that it is up to their child to stop the bullying.

Children and youth often need help to stop bullying. Parents should never be afraid to call the school to report that their child is being bullied and ask for help to stop the bullying. Students should not have to tolerate bullying at school any more than adults would tolerate similar treatment at work.
All children are entitled to courteous and respectful treatment by students and staff at school. Educators have a duty to ensure that students have a safe learning environment. Fortunately, most educators take their responsibilities to stop bullying very seriously. Several states have passed anti-bullying laws and require public schools to have an anti-bullying program in place. Ask for a copy of your school's policy or check the student handbook to see whether your school has policies that will help resolve the problem.
Working with your child’s School
If your child tells you that he or she has been bullied or if you suspect your child is being bullied, what can you do?

• Keep a written record of all bullying incidents that your child reports to you. Record the names of the children involved, where and when the bullying occurred, and what happened.
• Immediately ask to meet with your child's classroom teacher and explain your concerns in a friendly, non confrontational way.
• Ask the teacher about his or her observations: Has he or she noticed or suspected bullying? How is your child getting along with others in class? Has he or she noticed that your child is being isolated, excluded from playground or other activities with students?
• Ask the teacher what he or she intends to do to investigate and help to stop the bullying.
• If you are concerned about how your child is coping with the stress of being bullied, ask to speak with your child's guidance counselor or other school-based mental health professional.
• Set up a follow-up appointment with the teacher to discuss progress.
• If there is no improvement after reporting bullying to your child's teacher, speak with the school principal.
• Keep notes from your meetings with teachers and administrators.

Bullying happens in every school, but with an effective bullying prevention program, bullying can be reduced. If your child is being bullied, chances are that there are other children in the school who are having similar experiences.
If your school does not have official anti-bullying policies or an active bullying prevention program, work with other parents and your school officials to develop one.  http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/