Don’t Allow Teasing--
Building Respect and Responsibility in Children
Although teasing is fairly common among children, that doesn’t make it okay. It is important to discourage teasing because it can hurt feelings and friendships among children. The old saying "Kids will be Kids" isn’t an acceptable excuse. When teasing occurs among children, it can easily escalate to a more serious level. For more tips on friendship, visit www.mcgruff.org
Source: "Raising Streetwise Kids," McGruff, http://www.mcgruff.org
Dealing with Bullying
What is bullying?
"Bullying" is another name for harassment. Bullying happens when a child or children continually tease, threaten, attack or make fun of another child. Bullying can also include situations when a child or a group of children continually excludes another child from participating in games or other activities.
Where Does Bullying Happen?
Bullying at school often happens in the hallway, at lunch or recess, on the bus or in places where adults aren't near by.
Why do people act like a bully?
The first thing to remember is that it is not your fault! A bully usually picks on other children because he or she does not feel good about himself or herself. This means that some people bully others so that they can feel popular, show off, get attention, or to make themselves look tough.
How do I know the difference between bullying and teasing?
Sometimes kids tease each other, even though teasing can hurt someone's feelings. If someone calls you a name once, that is teasing, not bullying. Bullying happens when a child or children pick on another person over and over again
What can you do?
Usually when someone is bullied, kids wonder " What is wrong with me? Why do they keep making fun of me?" The most important thing to remember is that bullying is not your fault. Here are some things you can try.
1. Tell a friend what has happened. A friend can listen to how you feel, and can stand by you if a bully tries to pick on you again. Make new friends so you have more people to support you. To learn some great ways to meet people and make friends click HERE
2. Walk away. If someone says something mean to you or makes fun of you, get away from them. Remind yourself that just because a bully says something mean about you does not make it true. Remember that being mean to others is often the only way a bully feels good about himself or herself.
3. Chill out. Bullies usually pick on kids who respond to their taunts. If someone cries easily, or gets very angry when called a name or made fun of, a bully is more likely to continue to pick on that child. If someone teases you, take a minute to cool off, or just ignore them. Pretend you didn't hear what they said, or that you don't care about what the bully said. If you don't react to what a bully says or does, he or she is more likely to give up and leave you alone.
4. Try to stay near friends or adults. If you know you have problems with a bully who rides your bus, or who you see at recess, try to keep a friend near you. If you don't have a friend to sit with you then, you could try sitting closer to the front of the bus, or playing near one of the recess aides on the playground. Bullies usually don't pick on other kids when adults are around. Check out some great ways to make more friends by clicking Here
5. Don't fight back. Physical fighting is never ok. If you try to fight, you could get hurt, and even worse you could even get blamed for starting the fight. The minute a bully touches you physically, you should go to the closest adult as soon as possible. Telling an adult is not tattling. Telling an adult is ok when you have a BIG problem, like someone hurting you or someone you know, or if you are in a situation where you are scared or in danger.
6. Write it down. Keep track of what happens by writing down when and where a bully picks on you. Write down exactly what the bully said. When you are ready to talk to an adult, give them your list. By keeping track of what has happened, you can help your teachers and parents make a plan about what to do if it happens again.
7. Take a stand. If you know someone who acts like a bully, let them know that bullying is NOT ok. Let that person know that when they act like a bully to others, you do not want to be near them.
8. Help out if you see someone being bullied. You could tell the bully to stop, or ask the person being picked on if they want to go do something else. You should never laugh when a bully picks on another child, or even watch a conflict because then you would be giving the bully the attention he or she is looking for.
9. Talk to an adult. If you or someone you know is being bullied, talk to an adult you trust. Even though you might feel like you are being a tattle tale, you aren't. If you tell an adult, there is a better chance that the adult can help you figure out a plan to make the bullying stop. If the adults at home or school don't know what is happening to you, they won't be able to help you. That's why its important to let an adult know if a bully doesn't stop after you've tried a few of these tips.
10. Remember that you are special. No matter what a bully says or does, you are a special person, and lots of people care about you, at home and at school. Don't let a bully make you feel bad about yourself
Bullying tips based on Pamphlet from The Parent Institute. Modified by K. Huntsman 2003, last modified by S. Paulson 2005.