Friday, April 9, 2010

Are You Being Bullied?

Kids who are bullied often wonder, “Why me? Is it my clothes? My grades? My glasses? My weight? My hair? My skin? Maybe I deserve it because I’m not on a sports team, or because….”

Stop. Hold it, hold it, hold it! Those feelings are completely understandable, but the fact is, no one deserves to be bullied. For anything. Never. Not ever. So if bullying is happening, stop thinking there’s something wrong with you.

Instead, start working with others to change what is happening. Teens and kids can talk with trusted adults—parents, guardians, relatives, teachers, guidance counselors, or community leaders—and tell them what’s going on. Adults can help work out strategies and responses to handle the situation.

Bullying isn’t stronger than teens or kids and the adults who care about them working together.

Check out these ideas:
Elementary school students: PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org > Smart Stuff > Stop It! If You Are A Target

Middle/high school students: PACERTeensAgainstBullying.org > RESPOND