PREVENT BULLYING
Although recent studies show that as many as 75 percent of children have
been victims of bullying during their careers, National Crime Prevention Council
(NCPC) Are We Safe 1999 survey found that half of parents (49
percent) saw bullying as no problem or only a small problem for their
children.
Bullying's consequences continue throughout a student's school years and
beyond. Research shows that boy bullies will display life-long aggression
problems if no one intervenes. One study found that boy bullies have a
one-in-four chance of having a criminal record by the time they are 30 years
old. Research reveals that mothers who were aggressive as girls are more
likely to punish their children harshly.
School-based programs to prevent bullying typically focus on counseling bullies
and their victims, teaching victims assertiveness, and establishing clear school
policies that reinforce consequences for aggressive behavior. School officials
train teachers and other staff to recognize bullies and their victims and refer
both to counseling. School policies against fighting, taunting, and other
bullying behaviors are made clear to both students and parents.
Set Straight on Bullies, an examination of bullying problems by the
National School Safety Center (NSSC), provides insights on strategies that
schools should consider using to combat bullying. The NSSC also publishes
other useful resources for school districts. Contact NSSC at 141
Duesenberg Drive, Suite 11, Westlake Village, CA 91362. www.nssc1.org
Another resource for information about preventing the bully is:
National Crime Prevention Council
1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 13th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
www.ncpc.org
Stop the Bullying
It's everyone's responsibility to
stop bullying. And don't be afraid to get help when necessary. It takes courage,
but you will be preventing the intimidation from continuing and possibly
escalating. You can report the problem to authorities anonymously.
* Refuse to participate in taunting and teasing.
* Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
* Tell adults if you witness cruelty or hear about violence that might occur.
* Walk away from fights.
* Speak out against the bully.
* Stand tall and walk with confidence and in a way that commands respect.
* Hand out with friends who don't get involved in bullying.
* Stand up for others who are being intimidated.
* Include the person who is being bullied in your activities.
* Show compassion for the victim.
Take Action
* Work with the school
administration and get students together to develop or revise your school's code
of conduct.
* Start a bully education program for the local elementary school.
* Organize a teen panel or discussion group to talk about issues of bullying and
intimidation at your school.
SafetyCops
say once a bully always
a bully and nobody likes a bully.
SafetyCops.com
