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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
