FACTS ABOUT BULLYING:
-Compared to their peers, kids who are bullied are 5 times more likely to be
depressed
-Kids who bully often go on to commit crimes
-Bullying is significantly more brutal than it was 10 to 15 years ago
-Sometimes victims of bullying seek revenge on those who bullied them by
using deadly force
TIPS FOR PARENTS (to help child avoid becoming a bully or a target)
-Assist your child in building empathy for others
-Help to develop your child's appreciation for those with differences
-Help your child learn to control his/her anger
-Help your child to develop impulse control
-Help your child develop his/her negotiation skills
-Help your child learn how to recognize clues of the emotions others are
feeling
-Model appropriate behaviors
-Use positive discipline strategies
-Encourage your child to talk to you
-Encourage your child to participate n school clubs or athletics
-Praise and encourage your child
-Teach your child to be assertive rather than aggressive or violent when
confronted by a bully
-Make a detailed record of any bullying incidents
-Build a relationship with your child's teachers and administrators
-Never blame your child if he/she has been a victim of bullying
-Seek help from a mental health professional
WARNING SIGNS your child may be a target of bullying:
• Comes up with excuses for not going to school, such as headaches or
stomachaches
• Comes home with torn, damaged, or missing clothing, books, and
belongings without a reasonable explanation
• Has trouble sleeping and/or frequent nightmares
• Has unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, and scratches
• Fears walking to school or riding the bus
• Has an unusual drop in grades
• Experiences a loss of interest in schoolwork
• Comes home appearing anxious, distressed, unhappy, depressed, or
tearful
• Withdraws from friends, family, and/or school activities
• Acts out of character (significant change in mood), is frequently
irritable or has sudden outbursts of anger
Below are some characteristics of bullies and victims; however, please keep
in mind that ANY child can be a bully or a victim.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BULLIES
Aggressive
Impulsive
Confident
Tough
Low tolerance for frustration
Inclination to use violence more than other children
CHARACTERISTICS OF VICTIMS
Has few friends/tends to be a "loner"
Perceived as being different
