International Stand Up to Bullying Day #PinkShirtDay
For over 2 years, my son was bullied. He was called bad names and excluded from games and parties. He was even threatened to be killed. At first, we thought it was just teasing. The teasing was continuous. My son felt isolated. It was heartbreaking.
What is bullying then? Where is the line between Bullying and harmless behavior?
Bullying behavior may include name calling, verbal or written abuse, exclusion from activities, exclusion from social situations, physical abuse, or coercion. Bullies may behave this way to be perceived as popular or tough or to get attention. They may bully out of jealousy or be acting out because they themselves are bullied. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullying#Definitions
My son was facing bullying, not teasing. We took several actions with the school staff. Things took 2 years to smooth a bit. He is still bullied but less than before.
Other bullying stories
My son is not the only child bullied. I am sharing with you some bullying stories that are heartbreaking. For safety reasons, I will keep the sources and names anonymous
· My kids have high functioning autism. They are bullied.
· My son told me that a kid tried to strangle him when he was in the 7th and 8th grade.
· I was bullied in school, just terrible.
· My son had a bullying experience at school, actually at the bus stop. He was cornered by a group of siblings.
Stand up to Bullying
We can help our bullied children and stand up to bullying by taking some actions:
· Discuss with your child, love him, and understand him. As a parent, you are a key player in this unfortunate situation.
· Meet with the school staff and try to set up a plan to tackle the situation.
· Go to the school meetings, fund raisers: Let other children know that your child has a parent who cherishes him, who will do everything to protect him. Bullying stopped when my husband met the bully in the principal office. I called it: Bullying: The Dad’s effect.
Today: March 30th is the International Stand Up to Bullying Day. You can show your support by wearing a pink shirt, discussing bullying within your community, tweeting!
Olfa is the founder of OurFamilyWorld: an online magazine for busy moms. She is going to BlogHer and would love your support to stand up to bullying.
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I was picked on/borderline bullied it is a hard thing to go through. I’m so glad people are talking openly about this issue.
I am so glad a lot of schools feel now they have the tools to stop bullinging when it happens nowadays. Bullying is something we need to put a spotlight on for the reason that alot of kids who bully are quite mean and misguided, and if they’re not doing right they need to be shown how and realize they can’t be horrible to fellow students.
Cynthia Brooks recently posted..A Shared Prize of 1,000 Dollars
I was bullied when I was kid, even by a teacher. It’s a terrible feeling.
This is awesome- wish I would have read this before the 30th!! Love the pink!
Jennifer Hutchinson recently posted..Book Review: Poetry & Peonies
Fear of bullying is one of the primary reasons why I homeschool my daughter. I was also bullied when I was younger but luckily our school’s principal was strong and resolved the situation.
Bullying is so much worse these days. Because of cyber-bullying and/or texting, it doesn’t stop when the victim is off school grounds.
i can say we have had over 6 to 10 death since jan in mo because of this it is stupid the kid need to learn a lesson
I’m glad there is more awareness towards bullying.
Billie recently posted..Shoes for the Fashion Conscious Man
I was bullied as a child. It’s a terrible feeling.
What a great thing to talk about.. I think we should all stand up for these kids who are bullied.And we all need to talk to our own children about it.
The light that has been shined on bullying has helped, but it is still going on way too much. I am so disappointed in my state (Michigan) where an anti-bullying law that was passed was actually a primer on how to bully and get away with it!
I was bullied and I know how tough it can be. It was nice seeing you post about it!
Kristin W recently posted..Thoughts
I got bullied in high school a few times and it does leave a lasting impression on you all through your life. It doesn’t need to happen and to me bullying needs to stop in the home first.
Oh what a great post. I think we should all stand up for these kids who are bullied. I have a nephew that had lots of problems and had to change schools. So very sad!!!!!!!! Just breaks my heart when a child is bullied. And..the sad part is that adults can be just as cruel at times!
thanks for sharing this – it isn’t for everyone, but this is one of a many reasons why we decided to homeschool. my child is 2 and I hope he never has to endure that.
Renee @ Made By Renee recently posted..Bzz Agent Campaign: Children’s Claritin
I, too, have a son with high-functioning autism. Thank you for sharing this post!
Oh wow this is a great post! I agree with a PP- if I ever saw a child being bullied, I’m pretty sure I’d lose it.
Andrea G. recently posted..WOOLY ROUNDS Dryer Ball Review+Giveaway
this is a very in portent thing to talk to Kids about.I never under stud why kids did this.