October is "Bullying Awareness Month"

Did you know that October is "Bullying Awareness Month"? Many of us hear the word "bullying" thrown around a lot, but many people don't actually understand the true meaning of that word. Labeling a student as a "bully" is a serious allegation and is a term that should not be taken lightly. I often hear kids say that someone is "bullying" them when they actually mean that someone has teased them once, or someone hurt their feelings. It can be confusing, so here are two posters that I found on a fellow blogger, Ms. Sepp's, blog that are very helpful in deciphering the true meaning of bullying.

Hopefully these two charts help to clarify things a bit. We take bullying allegations very seriously at Oak Hill and I want to be sure students understand how to identify whether it is bullying or not. I will be giving lessons all month, to all grade levels about what bullying is and what it isn't, how to report it, and what to do when you are being bullied. We will also talk about being sure it is bullying before making the serious accusation. If it is teasing or someone being mean to them, rather than bullying, we still want the situation to be handled, but without using the word "bullying". For these types of smaller, peer conflicts, I work with students all year on how to handle conflict on their own, or when necessary with the help of an adult.

Next week I will be in Pre-K, Kinder, and First Grades to watch a "Howard B. Wigglebottom" on bullying. It includes a fun, interactive song that really helps the kids remember what to do if they are being bullied and how to report it. The kids loved it last year and sang it all year long! More on this lesson next week. 

A great website to go to for a lot of great information on bullying and how you can help prevent your child from either being a bully, or being bullied is: http://www.stopbullying.gov/

I also just received information on a great new, interactive app you can use regarding bullying. It includes conversation starters, tips, warning signs, reminders, etc. You can download this app in the app store for your iPhone or through Google Play. Here is a video and the link for more information on this great tool: 

http://store.samhsa.gov/apps/bullying/WT.mc_id=EB_20141001_KNOWBULLYINGAPP

If you ever have a question about bullying or would like some more resources, feel free to ask! Hopefully together we can help put an end to bullying!