Helping Children Create a Caring Community Julia Laibson, LMFT Arrowhead School Therapist

What is Bullying? Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. To be considered bullying the behavior must be aggressive and include: Imbalance of Power Repitition

What is not Bullying? Children will often tease or fight, this should not be confused with bullying. Acts that are often labeled as bullying: Teasing Rejection Random acts of aggression Conflict Affects on children when labeled a “bully”

Types of Bullying Verbal Name calling Threats Social or relational Hurting someone’s reputation or relationships (spreading rumors) Excluding someone Embarrassing someone in front of group Physical Cyberbullying Texts, s Rumors sent by s or posted on social media networks

How Can You Help Your Children Educate them on what bullying is, and let them educate you on what they know Become aware of language used with bullying at school (Aggressor, Target, Bystander or “Upstander”) Encourage them to talk with an adult about their concerns Listen to their side of the story and try to understand how they feel Talk about what they can say and do Urge them to help other kids and to stand up to behaviors they feel are hurtful or excluding Model how to treat others with kindness and respect