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| Image from The Bullying Project |
As children, teens, and even adults each and every one of us has experienced bullying in some shape or form. Whether we have been a victim or a witness, there is no denying that it is toxic and damaging. Sometimes those who are doing the bullying or teasing do not realize how hurtful their words are. Most younger children do not even think twice about the consequence that follows soon after. While some have tough skin, words hurt and often lead to permanent damage. Being bullied can lead to depression, low self esteem, anxiety, and an overwhelming feeling of loneliness. Long term effects also include substance abuse and even suicide.
Bullying can be defined by three types of abuse. It is not ONLY delivered by verbal attacks but also physical and emotional. Badgering, repeated aggressive behavior, teasing, name calling, and intentionally causing someone harm are all considered forms of bullying. I can guarantee that everyone has experienced one of the listed behaviors. Regardless of which form it is delivered in, it is in no way acceptable and should not be tolerated.
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| Image from Swagistic |
Most of the bullying was done on the good old internet in my situation. It seems like it is much easier to hide behind a computer screen and say horrible things to someone. It is sad to think that people can be so cruel and saying hateful things to make them feel better about themselves. At this time I was called every name in the book and criticized about every imperfection I possessed. It was just a bad time for me. It put such a damper on my self esteem and at times made me question myself. Thankfully I had an amazing support system to back me up. I made it out of “bullying” in one piece and even stronger today. Take THAT jealousy and ignorance!
Educating our children on bullying is beyond important. Take the pledge above and stand against bullying. We have to start somewhere and each small step counts. There is power in numbers and if each person takes the pledge to put an end to this act of abuse, a positive change can be made. It only takes a few minutes of your time and in turn you can be assured that you are contributing to a wonderful cause.
Here are a few tips from KidsHealth.org on taking action against bullying with your own children:
- Take bullying seriously. Make sure your kids understand that you will not tolerate bullying at home or anywhere else. Establish rules about bullying and stick to them. If you punish your child by taking away privileges, be sure it’s meaningful.
- Teach kids to treat others with respect and kindness. Teach your child that it is wrong to ridicule differences (i.e., race, religion, appearance, special needs, gender, economic status) and try to instill a sense of empathy for those who are different. Consider getting involved together in a community group where your child can interact with kids who are different.
- Learn about your child’s social life. Look for insight into the factors that may be influencing your child’s behavior in the school environment (or wherever the bullying is occurring). Talk with parents of your child’s friends and peers, teachers, guidance counselors, and the school principal. Do other kids bully? What about your child’s friends? What kinds of pressures do the kids face at school? Talk to your kids about those relationships and about the pressures to fit in. Get them involved in activities outside of school so that they meet and develop friendships with other kids.
- Encourage good behavior. Positive reinforcement can be more powerful than negative discipline. Catch your kids being good â and when they handle situations in ways that are constructive or positive, take notice and praise them for it.
- Set a good example. Think carefully about how you talk around your kids and how you handle conflict and problems. If you behave aggressively â toward or in front of your kids â chances are they’ll follow your example. Instead, point out positives in others, rather than negatives. And when conflicts arise in your own life, be open about the frustrations you have and how you cope with your feelings.
Have you had a talk with your children about bullying? As parents it is our job to educate them on treating others with respect and how important it is to be kind to everyone. It is never too soon to instill these behaviors and build confidence! Take the pledge for yourself and your child.
I am giving away a $25 Build A Bear Gift Card to one of my loyal readers who pledge to do their part to stop bullying. Enter below for the chance to win!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by TakePart. All opinions are my own!
I plan to help them understand bully and know how to get help.
I plan on explaining about feelings and emotions and trying to teach my children to be respectful of others
(d schmidt in widget)
By talking to them about the power of words and raising them the way that I was raised in part that if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all and that you always have to put yourself in other's shoes
having them watch a couple movies that were effective for me
I've been teaching my children to accept and celebrate our differences. The world would be a very boring place if we were all the same.
Name on rafflecopter: Mary Happymommy
With my grandson, we have talked many times about this and will continue to do so
It is a serious issue. I teach my girls that everyone is not the same. There are different types and looks of people. Just because they are different does not mean we don't like them or treat them with disrespect. We were all made unique for a purpose. Patricia
He's very young currently but I have him share with everyone, He plays with all children and I will make sure to talk to him when he's older… he will not be a bully.
Jamie Brigham
PrettyInPinkWife @ aol dot com
I have talked to them and told them how much harm it can do and that they should treat others as they would like to be treated.
JenniferAnne74 @ aol.com
I plan on showing them movies about it. Thanks for the giveaway!
I plan on talking to them about it and always being someone they can come to.
I explain that noone wants to be hurt in any way.
Jennifer Marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
I always tell my son to treat others the way he would want to be treated and to tell an adult if he isn't being treated nice.
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
Talking about it.
When I have children, I will raise them to be respectful kids and I will always try to include them in extracurricular activities to keep them surrounded with friends.
she is starting jr high next yr so we are already talking about it somewhat, according to her teacher she is super friendly to everyone which is great, however I worry about mean girls and other kids. she said she just brushes them off, and ignores them.
We are constantly talking about how it's not okay to intentionally hurt other people's feelings within our home, and then applying that to the outside world.
by constanly talking about it and making sure i can prevent it from happening
I plan on continually talking to him about it and instilling in him the importance of him treating others the way he would want to be treated.
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
We discuss it as a family and make sure our children are educated.
let them know it's bad to bully, and that they can always come to me if they are bullied
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
We talk about this as a family many times, and we will continue.
By talking about it and starting very early! We talk alot about feelings…
i tell them all the time to not stand for it and tell some one
We talk about it and watch all online videos regarding this subject. Also we attend school meeting regarding bullying.
talking to them about it and show some videos for example.
I plan on saying the same thing I do to my students. First you need to learn how to react to a bully and let an adult know right away. Don't feed the bully!
I try to tell them to treat othes the way they want to be treated
I teach my daughter that we are to be nice to everyone; treat others how we would want to be treated. Bullying is a serious issue and parents really need to step up more with teaching their kids at young age to not bully and be mean to others.
I take the pledge (even though the rafflecopter is closed)! We have been teaching our 6 year old and 4 year old to stand up for themselves and also to treat others the way that they want to be treated!
Maureen
maureen.tenney@gmail.com