Bullying has been in the news a lot lately; like the case of Phoebe Prince – a 15 year old from Massachusetts. For months she’d been taunted through text messages, bullies knocked the books out of her arms in the hallways at school, and her picture was scratched out of school photos. School administrators admitted they knew about it – they’d even brought in an anti-bullying consultant who trained the teachers and administrators about what to do and how to handle it. However, nothing was done and Phoebe took her own life. Even though the school knew who the bullies were, they didn’t discipline them or even stop them from going to the school dance. Well, a lot of people, including me, are saying enough is enough. We have to step up and stop this behavior because it’s out of control. So here’s what parents and teachers can do to break this cycle of violence. This comes from CNN:

• Ask yourself: Are you really listening to your child? Do you hear what they’re telling you? If a child confides in you that they’re being pushed around, don’t minimize it or rationalize it or explain away what’s happening. Instead, do something about it. Barbara Coloroso is a nationally known bullying consultant, and she says to empower the child, and assure them they didn’t cause the bullying.
• Also, always know who your child’s friends are. Why? Because they’re the first to know if there’s bullying going on. If your child tells you they have no friends, that’s a sign other kids are staying away from your child because he or she is being picked on.
• Routinely ask your child if they like school. If they say they “hate” it, or if they go to the school nurse a lot to avoid lunch or recess, then dig for more details. What don’t they like, their teacher? The work? Or is it other kids? Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything.
• Finally, if you suspect bullying is happening to your child, find out which websites they visit and what they post on the Internet. Also, check their cell phone often. Your child’s privacy ends when their safety is at risk!
  
  

If you want to know more try these sites: StopBullyingNow.HRSA.gov – or in Canada, Bullying.org.