Fw: POPIN ~ Friday Facts - Teen bullying

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Subject: [FND Heart Network] POPIN ~ Friday FactsTo: fndfllistserv@..., popinlist@...Date: Friday, September 4, 2009, 9:19 AM

FND's POPIN PROJECT - FRIDAY FACTS

What can parents of teens do about school bullying?

What can parents of teens do about school bullying?

As children grow older, parents begin to observe their child's independent nature. They can see the ways their children have come to manage issues such as rules, response to authority, choosing friends, dealing with popularity, and exercising personal and social power. While teens may seem grown-up and independent, it is important for parents to remain active and involved in their children's lives. Parents can promote and reinforce respectful and thoughtful behaviors to help their teens deal with school bullying.

Teach that:

• Bullying is disrespectful and can be dangerous.

• Bullying of a sexual nature is sexual harassment and is against the law.

• Hazing is a form of group bullying and can be against the law depending on your state.

• Bullying on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, disability or sexual orientation is a form of hate behavior and is in some cases a hate crime.

• We live in a world where human diversity is a fact.

• Bullying behaviors that continue into adulthood can create serious personal and professional problems.

• Bullying can have a lifetime of consequences for the person who is bullied and the bully.

Work with your school:

• Learn the school's rules and sanctions regarding bullying.

• Participate in training the school may offer regarding bullying.

• Stay in touch with your teen's teachers and coaches.

• As soon as you become aware of a bullying problem, report it to the school.

• Accept help from the school with regard to bullying problems whether your teen is the target, the bully or a bystander.

• Become a part of bullying prevention efforts and programs at your school

Be a positive role model in any setting.

• Refrain from using foul language or put-downs.

• Demonstrate friendships with others that are based on trust and respect.

• Respect the diversity of others.

Caring and responsible parents can use their choices, words and actions to model respectful behaviors and peaceful problem solving.

Resources:

* slaw - The Special Ed Advocate

* National School Safety Center 141 Duesenberg Drive, Suite 11 Westlake Village, California 91362 www.schoolsafety.us

If you have any questions about the information contained within, or you'd like to find out more about Family Network on Disabilities FREE trainings, please visit our website at http://www.fndfl.org/ or call TOLL FREE in Florida 1-.

Want to know more? We offer over 30 online tutorials on our website. You can find them at http://www.fndfl.org/Tutorials.asp

BrownPOPIN Co-DirectorFamily Network on Disabilities of Florida, Inc.nicole@...