Bullying
Bullying has long been considered a “normal” part of growing up. It is still often shrugged off by adults who may not know how to handle it. However, those who had been bullied as a child or teenager remember the pain, humiliation, and terror that accompanies what was once thought of as “harmless child’s play.” Today, children are faced with an ever-growing amount of stress in their lives, which they must cope with. Often, the stress of peer rejection and bullying sends a child into a very real depression, causing them to live in constant fear that the bullying will recur and, in the saddest and most desperate situations, can lead a child to suicide. With potential results like these, it is crucial that adults prevent, intervene, and assume responsibility for stopping this behavior.
Bullying can be addressed and prevented by clearly defining bullying behaviors and their consequences, teaching problem-solving skills, and encouraging empathy and acceptance of differences.
What Teachers and Other Adults Should Know about Bullying (pdf)
What Children Should Know about Bullying (pdf)
Classroom and Small Group Discussion for “You’re Not the Boss of Me!” (pdf)
Classroom and Small Group Discussion for “Safe at School” (pdf)
Classroom and Small Group Discussion for “Rescue or Report” (pdf)