Two weeks ago we covered a different hot topic for parents (Phone Apps to be aware of, Click Here to read more) and I thought Bullying would be a great way to continue our series '10 Things', this week.
If you haven't personally be affected by bullying in some way I would ask you take 4-minutes and watch the video below. I've seen in dozens of times and it continues to remind me why I do what I do.
According to Wikipedia: "Bullying is the use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively impose domination over others. The behavior is often repeated and habitual. One essential prerequisite is the perception, by the bully or by others, of an imbalance of social or physical power."
The legal word for bullying is harassment. Harassment can result in you having a restraining order placed against you. As a teen, having a restraining order placed on you by another student at your school can result in you not being able to attend school or school functions (track meets, proms, etc); the restraining order stays with you for 3 years and depending on how old you are at the time of the restraining order, can follow you to college. Also restraining orders are made public even if you are a minor.
- Everywhere (School, Mall, Church, Home, etc.)
*Online (Cyberbullying: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
What they (your son or daughter) can do...
- Stop... Think... Choose
- Ask yourself what is the bully doing?
- State what you want ("Stop pushing me")
- Get away... Find Safety if possible
- Let someone of authority know immediately
What we can do…
- Communicate with our kids
- Be aware of where our teens & tweens go online/after school
- Develop and enforce rules
- Know our school and other social places’ rules
- Join the movement: The Bully Project
Warning signs… www.stopbullying.gov
- Being Bullied
o Comes home with
damaged or missing clothing (didn’t eat lunch)
o Reports losing items
such as books, electronics, clothing, or jewelry
o Has trouble sleeping
or has frequent bad dreams
o Loses interest in
visiting or talking with friends (appears moody, anxious)
o Is afraid of going
to school or other activities with peers (performing poorly)
- Bullying Others
o Becomes violent with
others
o Gets into physical
or verbal fights with others
o Has extra money or
new belongings that cannot be explained
o Will not accept
responsibility for their actions
o Has friends who
bully others
**Bullying is the #1 reason for School Violence
National Suicide Hotline: 1 (800) 273-8255
May we love others as much as ourselves. May we see the needs and feel compassion for your children. May You give us the courage to stand up to bullying when we see it. May we learn more about injustice and how You feel about it. May Your Son be the example of the love we should show others. May Your Spirit lead us into conversations that could bring healing. May You please protect our kids from others and the evil one. May we find joy and hope for tomorrow!!
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The Bergs
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