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    Keeping bullying behavior in check!

    Bullying is a serious offense and ignoring the problem will not help alleviate it. Bullying includes:

    Verbal: Hurtful name-calling, teasing, gossiping, making threats, making rude noises, or spreading hurtful rumors.

    Nonverbal: Posturing, making gang signs, leering, staring, stalking, destroying property, exhibiting inappropriate and/or threatening gestures or actions.

    Physical: Hitting, punching, pushing, shoving, poking, kicking, etc.

    Emotional: Rejecting, terrorizing, extorting, defaming, intimidating, humiliating, blackmailing, manipulating friendships, or using peer pressure.

    Cyber bullying: using digital technologies to harass or intimidate a person. These include, but are not limited to, e-mail, blogs, texting on cell phones, social websites, chat rooms, “sexting”, or instant messaging.

    How to help your child deal with bullies:

    ·         Try not to show fear, anger or cry

    ·         Not to fight back and walk away

    ·         Avoid places and situation where bullying may occur

    Report any problem immediately to any school personnel!

    Overall, support your child and avoid confronting the child or the family of the child that bullies.

    What if your child is being the bully?

    Be open-minded; listen to what your child’s teacher or administrator’s say. Don’t allow or encourage excuses for bad behavior. Develop clear and consistent rules.

    Tell your child you will not tolerate his/her behavior.

    Investigate why your child is bullying others:

    ·         Is there an underlying problem?

    ·         Does your child feel insecure?

    If you or your child needs support, please see your school counselor.