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Warning Signs: There are many warning signs that may indicate that someone is affected by bullying—either being bullied or bullying others. Recognizing
the warning signs is an important first step in taking action against bullying. Not all children who are bullied, or are bullying others, ask for help.
1. Signs a Child is Being Bullied: Look for changes in the child. However, be aware that not all children who are bullied exhibit warning signs.
a.
Unexplainable injuries
e. Feeling sick or faking illnesses
b.
Lost or destroyed possessions
f. Changes in eating habits
c.
Difficulty sleeping
g. Declining grades
d.
Decreased self-esteem
h. Losing friends
2.
Signs a Child is Bullying: Kids may be bullying others if they...
a. Get into physical/verbal fights
e. Are frequently at principal’s office
b. Have friends who bully others
f. Have unexplained extra money
c. Are increasingly aggressive
g. Don’t accept responsibility
d. Blame others for problems
h. Worry about their popularity
Talking about Bullying: It is important for parents to be able to address bullying with their children in a safe and productive way. When discussing bullying,
parents should remember to:
1. Help Kids Understand Bullying: Talk about how to stand up to kids who bully. Encourage kids to speak to a trusted adult if they see bullying. Talk
about strategies for staying safe, such as staying near adults or other kids. Urge them to help kids who have been bullied by showing kindness
or getting help.
2. Keep Lines of Communication Open: Sometimes this can be as easy as spending 15 minutes a day talking; this can reassure kids that they can
talk to you if they have a problem. Some conversations can start with questions about daily life, such as:
• What was one good thing that happened today? Any bad things?
• What is lunchtime like at your school? Who do you sit with?
• How is the school bus ride to school?
3. Encourage Kids to Do What They Love: Help kids take part in activities, interests, and hobbies that grab their attention. Kids can play sports; join
youth groups or school clubs. This gives children the chance to have fun and meet others who have the same interests as them.
Model How to Treat Others: Kids learn most of what they do by watching adults’ actions. From an early age, guide your kids to act appropriately by:
1. Showing positive ways to make friends. For example, practice pleasant ways that children can ask to join others to play or take turns in games.
Coach older children to help reinforce these behaviors as well.
2. Help young children learn the consequences of certain actions in terms they can understand. For example, say, “If you don’t share, other children
may not want to play with you.”
3. Set clear rules for behavior and monitor children’s interactions carefully.
4. Use age appropriate consequences for aggressive or unnecessary behavior. An apology should be paired with an action, such as repairing a
knocked over structure or replace a torn paper.
Schools are a primary place where bullying can happen. Helping to establish a supportive and safe school climate where all students are accepted and
knowing how to respond when bullying happens are key to making sure all students are able to learn and grow.
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community outreach - Rise Above/Anti-Bullying Campaign