stand together against bullying in memory of chirelle

Bullying behavior is a problem for all of our children. Bullying behavior can start as early as pre-school and persist into adulthood. Approximately one-third of children will be victimized by bullying. A majority of children will witness bullying of their friends and peers. Many children suffer in silence. Many children do not know how to respond. Children who bully often have significant social, behavioral and legal problems later in life.

One group cannot prevent or reduce bullying behavior alone.

• The most successful bullying interventions include strong parent involvement.

• Bullying behavior is reduced when schools have strong prevention programs.

• Bullying behavior is reduced when children targeted by bullying behavior learn different ways to respond and to report the bullying each time it happens.

• Bullying behavior is reduced when other kids, those who are bystanders, intervene and stand up and become upstanders to the bullying behavior.

• Children who bully need to be held accountable and often need help to change this pattern of behavior.

Defining the Problem...Finding the Solution

Definitions of bullying vary. This has led to debate about what bullying behavior is.

Most bullying is repeated and intentional behavior by a child or group of children that cause harm to another child. But there are exceptions.

1. The single random act of shoving a stranger into the locker...

2. The single text filled with hurtful rumors from someone you hardly know...

Bullying falls into a much larger category of "mean-spirited behavior." Not all mean behavior is bullying behavior. But all bullying behavior is mean.

The solution to the bullying problem lies in everyone working Together Against Bullying.

This website provides:

1. Strategies for parents and children to prevent bullying.

2. Activities to reduce mean behavior while strengthening a child's understanding of kindness, empathy and friendship.

Parents, children, teachers, medical providers and all concerned can make a difference by becoming involved in ways that prevent and reduce bullying.

Join us in coming Together Against Bullying!