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Does Back to School Mean Back to Bullies?
What Every Parent and Child Should Know
A new school year is beginning, and bullying is still an unfortunate fact of life. Is your child prepared? Dr. Ken Druck, psychologist, violence prevention expert and author of How to Talk to Your Kids About School Violence (Onomatopoeia, 2003), offers 10 ways to prevent school bullying.
1. Stay calm and alert. Consider the options and do nothing to escalate the situation.
2. Walk away. Fighting isn't worth it. You do not have to prove yourself by fighting.
3. Take a nonviolent stand. Speak respectfully: "I don't want to fight you."
4. Report it to authorities, but discuss with them how your child will be protected from retaliation.
5. Get away. Find safety or call for help.
1. Notice if your child lacks empathy, dominates others, is selfish or refuses to accept responsibility.
2. Help your child understand that physical or emotional abuse is never acceptable.
3. Make sure your child doesn't hang out with other bullies who may be influencing his behavior.
4. Talk to your child, other parents and teachers about what is going on.
5. Your child should apologize to victims and undo any damage, such as replacing stolen or destroyed property.