Bullying Warning Signs Tips to Help Kids

¶ … Bullying

Warning Signs

TIPS TO HELP KIDS PREVENT BULLYING

Cool Down -- Try to be calm when resolving conflict!

Describe the conflict, try to be logical!

What caused the conflict -- what can be done about it?

Describe feelings during conflict!

Listen respectfully, wait until other person has finished before talking!

Brainstorm solutions TOGETHER

Comes home with torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books, or other belongings;

Has unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches;

Has few, if any friends, with whom he or she spends time;

Seems afraid of going to school, walking to and from school, riding the school bus, or taking part in organized activities with peers (such as clubs);

Takes a long, "illogical" route when walking to or from school;

Has lost interest in school work or suddenly begins to do poorly in school;

Appears sad, moody, teary, or depressed when he or she comes home;

Complains frequently of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical ailments;

Has trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams;

Experiences a loss of appetite; or appears anxious and suffers from low self-esteem.

Do not let these signs go unanswered -- a bullied child is a child in pain and need!

Just Say "NO!"

To Bullying!

What to do?

If the child shows any of these signs, this does not necessarily mean that he or she is being bullied, but it is a possibility worth exploring. What should you do? Talk with the child first, bring the parents in if necessary.

1. Some Direct Questions:

"I am worried about you. Are there any children who are picking on you or bullying you?"

"Does anyone tease you in a mean way?"

"Does anyone leave you out of exclude you on purpose?"

"Do you have any special friends this year? Who? Who do you sit with at lunch or on the bus?

"Are there any children you really don't like? Why don't you like them?

2. Observe classroom, recess, and lunch behavior -- talk with other teachers or room moderators. Watch for:

Ways child interacts with other children.

Where and how they spend free time.

Watch for behaviors, subtle especially with girls.

3. If you as a teacher do not feel you can alleviate the problem, by all means bring in professionals. Often times a counselor or objective party will be able to bring out information that a student is "afraid" to tell their teacher.