6 ways to prevent kids from becoming the bully, the target or a bystander.

Because of recent events in the news about bullying, in particular involving gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender youth many adults are now treading into difficult territory, to say the least. For educators that this can be even more difficult because of the personal nature of the issue. However, the basic issues that surround all youth who are targets of bullies do not change. Therefore the methods that we need to impart to them is the same also.

 

1.  Understand bullying which is a pattern of behavior where one child uses physical or mental tactics to belittle another.
2. Know why kids are bullied—children are targeted due to their physical appearance, passive behavior, the belief that somone is different than themselves, such as GLBT issues. Even possibly that the target just stand out to their peers for a reason only known to the bully.
3. Know the signs– Bullied children often suffer from absences, poor grades, violent behavior and low self-esteem. Children may exhibit trouble sleeping, wanting to stay home from school and withdrawing from friends.
4. Model Appropriate behavior— We must walk the walk, by teaching our youth that nobody has the right to hurt another person. Foster behaviors that reduce the risk of raising a bully, target or bystander.
5. Talk about it — Teach parents to make regular discussions about school, friends and social issues.
6. Address the issue—As educators it is important that we address the problems at school quickly, fairly and with appropriate punishment.

 Remember as educators we need to be role-models for our youth. We should not be bullying or peers or disrespecting them in front of youth, it only sends mixed messages and foster acceptance of the bullying type mentality.