5 Myths and Facts About Bullying

(Ref: http://www.bullying.org )

Bullying: You Are NOT Alone, It Is NOT Your Fault, You CAN DO Something About It

1. Myth: “Bullying is just a stage, a normal part of life. I went through it my kids will too.” Fact: Bullying is not “normal” or socially acceptable behavior. We give bullies power by our acceptance of this behavior.
2. Myth: “If I tell someone, it will just make it worse.” Fact: Research shows that bullying will stop when adults in authority and peers get involved.
3. Myth: “Just stand up for yourself and hit them back” Fact: While there are some times when people can be forced to defend themselves, hitting back usually makes the bullying worse and increases the risk for serious physical harm.
4. Myth: “Bullying is a school problem, the teachers should handle it” Fact: Bullying is a broader social problem that often happens outside of schools, on the street, at shopping centers, the local pool, summer camp and in the adult workplace.
5. Myth: “People are born bullies” Fact: Bullying is a learned behavior and behaviors can be changed.

Anti-bullying resources available at Reach and Teach…

• The Anti-Bullying and Teasing Book
• Say Something (good children’s story)
• The Bully Book

Tags: anti-bullying, bullying, conflict resolution, justlists