One of parents’ worst nightmares is to find out their child has to deal with a school bully. Bullying is a major problem in schools that has caused children to feign illness and in some extremes take their lives. The problem with stopping a bully is that often the school doesn’t deal with the situation accurately. This is usually because some bullying gets loss under the radar. Also, the parents of children who are bullies may not want to face the fact their children are bullies. The situation is difficult for all parents and children involved in the situation.
That is why this past Wednesday on the #PTCHAT educators, parents, principals, and other stakeholders shared their thoughts on dealing with bullying. We had special guest, Signe Whitson (@momdiaries), author of The Angry Smile, provide us with causes, prevention, and tips against bullying. Thanks to My Baby Clothes Boutique (@mybabyclothes) for getting Signe Whitson to talk about this very important topic!
Parentella: We’re discussing bullying with expert @MomDiaries Signe Whitson, co-author of the book, The Angry Smile, a licensed social worker, who blogs for Psychology Today, the creator of Passive Aggressive Diaries, and the COO of Life Space Crisis Intervention Institute
MyBabyClothes: What is the best approach to talking with teachers about bullying in their classroom?
momdiaries: As the saying goes, Just do it! The only “wrong” way is to stay silent and do nothing, hoping the teacher will act first
AyaAcademy: Parents, please be aware that your child may not always share with you that they are being bullied because they are scared and ashamed
fiteach: @Parentella Most at risk to become victims: kids who show that EVERYTHING bothers them.
momdiaries: Victims of bullies come in all shapes and sizes–as do bullies–but what most victims have in common is that they are isolated.
cybraryman1: Important that parent has good open line of communication with child and can see changes in child’s behavior
toacircus: how to start the conversation about cyberbullying with your kid http://bit.ly/bb2pVD
GaryBrannigan:There’s no middle ground for adults when it comes to bullying; you are either part of the solution or part of the problem
momdiaries: Teach kids skills for assertive communication, from a young age. Passive kids get walked all over and aggressive kids “up the ante”
AmerHistTeach: Sometimes teachers make things worse when they recognize children who are sneaky bullies as “good citizens” etc.
HYBRID79: we have a huge problem at our school with the no tattle telling & then problems with bullies running the show .. Anyone else??
MrDs_Nabe: The tattling prob. is definitely in my school. My kids are averse to “snitching” for fear of retribution.
CityMommyOKC: My kids are definitely confused about tattling vs. reporting bullies
cybraryman1: My Bullying page: http://www.cybraryman.com/bullying.html
momdiaries: you get the feeling they are hurting so much and victims themselves of the same stuff they are dishing out at school. Awful cycle!
Parentella was created to solve the issue of parent and educator communication at elementary, middle school and high school levels. As part of this mission, we are hosting weekly #PTCHAT discussions to encourage a productive dialogue between parents and educators. We hope you will join us Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST.
You may also want to join Parentella on Facebook to keep updated. We invite you to propose questions for upcoming topics. View the entire transcript here.
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