I recently caught two boys going at it One much bigger and the bigger child said "well I hit him because he called me a __________"  I told the bigger *obviously bullied child to tell me next time and not hit and he said "like a tattle tale".  I hate that children are told not to be a tattle tale by their parents. 

Petra, you can be "pro-active" by bringing CHALLENGE DAY to your school. Here is the link:

http://challengeday.org/

I was first introduced to this program by Oprah 6 years ago. It works......

THE CHALLENGE DAY VISION & MISSION

our vision

Our vision is that every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated.

our mission

The Challenge Day mission is to provide youth and their communities with experiential programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth, and full expression.

 

It would be"my wish" to have this program for pre-school and kindergarteners. It would solve alot of problems in our schools......

 

I am a volunteer and getting certification in the future to be able to "lead" one of these programs. But, like I said, I would like to do it a a much earlier age, before there are problems.....

Petra, excellent information and I think parents put blinders on about their own children who bully...like Teri says schools need to make a concerted and consistent effort to work to eliminate it...I have seen it happen to family members in the past and it is a scarring experience.  As parents and adults, we all can make the difference in not letting it happen around us...

Petra, you hit a sore spot in the country.  There have always been bullies, but the way kids are responding to them today is different.  I guess with all of the social media outlets the bullying takes on a new dimension.  Good post. 

Petra ... This is such a sensitive issue, so integral to our social system today!  We are heavily involved in a  local youth sports program ... OMG .... the issues that are constantly surfacing with the kids are amazing and very very sad!  Adults need to be vigilant and help these poor kids deal with this pressure!

That's a horrible thought....and one that every parent has the obligation to call to every possible authority's attention...and a topic for every parent teacher association meeting everywhere !

Petra, this is a serious issue with our children today. You bring up some very good points to help. Thanks.

How many kids are terrified into keeping quiet for one reason or another. When bullies smell that fear and then test it, kids just cant concentrate on schooling or anything pleasant. This subject robs you of life and must be stopped at all costs as soon as it rears its ugly head. No tolerance for this subject or graffiti either...thank you

One of the reasons that I selected Homeschooling for my children. . . I worry about my granddaughter all the time. 

Thanks for the reminder to be vigilant and supportive. It is so important that everyone get involved in this issue!

I watched the show last night featuring the Providence school and was saddened by all the beautiful children who are being beat down to the point were they couldn't see their own greatness.  @Joan - I am shocked by your horrific story and with tears in my eyes want to express my thanks for having the courage to share your story.  I can not believe that parents would turn the other cheek toward this insane behavior.  What is wrong with people???

Thank you for such an important topic. Alot of problems all stem with social media such as FB. Kids donot realize the power or the consequences of what they type. They also dont realize once posted it is there for ever and when it is time for college or that good job, colleges and employers use the same social media to research the applicants,

Petra, you do not have to have children in school to participate.  It is a two day program. One day for the  Leaders to meet with Volunteers (and they want volunteers that don't have kids in that school to help..... kids will open up more if they are not talking to "so and so's Mom"). And the next day for the "Challenge Day" event.  I hope you will check-it-out, and there will be an opportunity for a Challenge Day at your shool(s).

Petra - I hadn't really given much thought to the fact that kids could be bullied other places, and it's an important thing for me to pay attention to with my kids.

Petra:

What a sad state of affairs that kids have to deal with bulling in school, on their cell phone and on the internet. 

Thank you Petra for this timely post. My husband coaches AAU basketball and it amazes me how the kids (GIRLS!!!!) bully on and off the court. Some take it to school, Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. The sad part is the behavior of some of the parents. They seem to enjoy it and edge on their kids.

There was a tv program on this subject last night.  It is disappointing that some children behave this way.

Very disappointing indeed.  With technology it's so INSTANENOUS now.  Kids and cyberbullying, and it can go viral in no time with texting, facebook, and youtube.  So challenging to oversee, but you must stay vigilant.

This is a very sensitive issue. The world has changed and bullying has gone to extremes. Thanks for posting these tips :)

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