This is the second blog post in our three-part series on bullying, in honour of Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week.
Adults responsibility in bullying prevention
Taking action against bullying starts with all of us recognizing that bullying is a community problem, not just a school-based issue. Even though the majority of bullying incidents happens in classrooms, at recess and on school buses, bullying can occur at any place where children learn, live or play.
Adults have a responsibility to create positive environments for children to develop and maintain healthy relationships. Adults must teach children how to connect with people respectfully, in positive, healthy ways. If they don’t, the only types of relationships children will understand as they grow up will be dysfunctional ones. Without healthy relationships, children cannot develop in healthy ways.
What can I tell child victims of bullying?
What can I tell my kids if their friends are being bullied?
Adults responsibility in bullying prevention
Taking action against bullying starts with all of us recognizing that bullying is a community problem, not just a school-based issue. Even though the majority of bullying incidents happens in classrooms, at recess and on school buses, bullying can occur at any place where children learn, live or play.
Adults have a responsibility to create positive environments for children to develop and maintain healthy relationships. Adults must teach children how to connect with people respectfully, in positive, healthy ways. If they don’t, the only types of relationships children will understand as they grow up will be dysfunctional ones. Without healthy relationships, children cannot develop in healthy ways.
What can I tell child victims of bullying?
- "Don’t blame yourself. This is not your fault."
- "Talk to an adult you trust, such as a parent, a relative, a teacher or a coach. If you're too nervous to talk to them in person, write a letter and give it to a friend who can pass it on."
- "Telling will not make the problem worse. It will help make it better."
- "Stay close to other kids or adults who will stick up for you."
- "Stick to areas where you feel safe."
- "Fight back with words, not fists. Always walk away from physical violence."
- "Tell your bullies that bullying is not cool.”
- "Practice looking brave, even if you don’t feel brave."
What can I tell my kids if their friends are being bullied?
- "Be a part of the solution: Stand up and tell the person who is bullying to stop and that bullying is not cool."
- "If you are too scared to tell the bully, get help. Find an adult who can make the bullying stop."
- "Invite classmates who are being bullied to play with you somewhere else."
- "Make sure your friend knows that no one deserves to be bullied."
- "Use your voice! Tell the bullies that their behaviour is not okay."
