Bullying can be a serious problem, with lasting negative effects on both the bully and his or her targets. Dealing with the problem promptly and involving school or neighborhood leaders is part of the solution.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

• Talk to your children about school and the neighborhood. Ask them about their classmates and watch for signs that they may be unhappy, nervous or withdrawn.
• Remember that bullying is more than physical aggression. It can be verbal teasing, spreading rumors or isolation. It happens in person and on the Internet.
• Take reports of bullying seriously. Isolated incidents of teasing may be a "part of growing up," but bullying is targeted and prolonged negative attention that can have lasting consequences.
• Talk to school officials, counselors or administrators. Schools are responsible for creating a safe and supportive structure and culture for students. Be part of the solution.
• Build your child's confidence. Remind your children of how special they are, of the friends they have and their skills and talents. Victims often internalize the criticism of bullies and feel that they deserve the teasing or may be ashamed.
• Don't forget that bullying behavior is symptomatic of larger issues and that the bullying child needs help, too.

• Talk to an adult.
  
  • Start with your parents. It's not "tattling". It's asking the people who love you to give you help when you really need it.
    
  • If you feel you can't tell your parents, or your parents don't give you the support you need, talk to another adult you trust: a teacher, principal, school counselor, or someone at your church or synagogue.
    
  • If you feel you can't talk to anyone, try writing a letter about what's happening. Keep a copy for yourself and give it to an adult you trust.
    
  • If you don't want to talk to someone alone, bring a friend, sibling, or parent. It especially helps to bring someone who has seen the bullying.
    
  • Make it clear to the adult that you are really upset by what's going on.  Sometimes adults don't take verbal bullying seriously but it can be the most hurtful and do the most damage. 
  ALSO...
  
• Act confident. Hold your head high.
  
• Ignore the bully if you can.  A bully wants a reaction so don’t give him/her the satisfaction.
  
• Don't walk alone. Travel with at least one other person whenever you can.
  
• Avoid places where bullying happens. Take a different route to and from school. Leave a little earlier or later to avoid the bully.
  
• Avoid unsupervised areas of the school and situations where you are by yourself. Make sure you're not alone in the locker room or bathroom. ▼