YOU CAN STOP YOU CAN STOP BULLYINGBULLYING

YOU CAN STOP YOU CAN STOP BULLYINGBULLYING

Presented by Presented by Family Voices of TennesseeFamily Voices of Tennessee

Adapted from U.S. Dept of Health and Human ServicesAdapted from U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services

Just 15 Minutes• Undivided attention can make

difference.• Promotes healthy child

development. • Prevents youth and school-based

violence. • They DO look up to you!• Other adults can step in.

What is Bullying?• Direct – seen and felt.• Indirect – deliberate exclusion,

name calling, rumors, etc.– Sometimes hard to identify and

solve.

• Boys • Girls

Imbalance of Power• Bullying is defined by a power

imbalance between the bully and the target (victim)

• Power = size, strength, verbal skills, popularity, or gender.

The Effects of Bullying• Increased absenteeism/drop out rate• Less safe, less satisfied• Can lead to child abuse/spouse

abuse• Criminal activity• Victims can grow socially insecure,

anxious, low self-esteem, depression, possible suicide.

Conversation Starters• What does "bullying" mean to

you? • Do you ever feel lonely at school

or left out of activities? How does that make you feel?

• Who do you sit with, what do you do, and what do you talk about?

Other Questions• Have you ever been scared to go

to school because you were afraid of being bullied?

• What ways have you tried to change it?

• Have kids ever bullied you by hitting or pushing you, or other things like that?

Is Your Child Being Bullied?

• Seems unwilling or afraid to go to school.

• Seems depressed or downhearted.• Chooses illogical routes to school.• Loss of interest in school.• Poor appetite, stomach aches.• Stealing money.

High Risk • Children with special health care

needs are at higher risk to be victims of bully’s AND higher risk to bully others.

• Children with obesity or weight issues are often bullied by their peers.

What Can You Do?• Parents and Schools should take

bullying seriously, investigate the facts and work together to find a healthy solution.

• Parents need to speak to the school immediately.

How to Help Your Child• Let them know it’s not their fault.• Discuss ways of responding to the bully.• Tell your child not to react, but to walk

away and get help if pursued.• Tell a trusted adult.• File criminal charges for assault or

injuries.

Don’t• Don’t tell your child to solve the

bullying themselves.• Don’t tell them to fight the bully.• Don’t blame either the victim or

the bully-investigate and consider all the facts.

Warning Signs of a Bully

• Seeks to dominate others.• Poor winner and poor loser.• Is excited by conflicts between others.• Pattern of impulsive and chronic hitting,

intimidating and aggressive behaviors.• Lacks empathy towards others.

What You Can Do• If you think your child may be bullying,

act quickly.– Let them know this is not acceptable.– Help your child learn alternative ways with

dealing with anger and frustration.– Help them understand the impact on their

victims.– Seek professional help if behavior continues.

Don’t be a Victim• Help your child learn good social

skills and a healthy self-confidence.

• Teach your child to speak out for his or her rights.

• Teach them to seek help if bullied.

Don’t be a Bully• Model non-violent behavior.• Let your child know violence will

not be tolerated.• Seek help from mental

health/school counselors to stop aggressive behaviors.

You are the Key• Remember to talk with your

children.• Only 15 minutes CAN make a

difference. • Remind them you are there to talk

or listen.• Be a good role model, they are

always watching.

Resources• www.samhsa.gov• www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org• School councilor• STAR program