During an era when there is increased bullying in our nation’s schools, we must support our legislatures as they attempt to implement a Bullying Prevention Program and enforce stricter sanctions in an effort to end bullying.
Administrators and teachers must begin to identify the bullies that walk the hallways of schools, and let them realize that they are being carefully watched.
Bullying defined:
· Physical (hitting, kicking, pushing, stealing, hiding, or ruining others’ possession against his or her will.
· Verbal (name calling, teasing, insulting, or threatening)
· Social (refusing to talk to, or play with someone, making someone feel left out)
· Cyber (using electronics such as computer to write mean, demeaning, truths or untruths about someone)
Research reveals that bullying victims may experience:
· Depression
· Loneliness
· Anxiety,
· Low self-esteem
· Feelings of sickness
· Poor eating habits
· Dislike for school
· Poor grades
· Or the worst (think about, or commit suicide)
As parents and educators, we must help our children affirm who they are. We must enhance and build their self-worth as hearty and powerful individuals who are sure of themselves. Bullying will become a record low in our nation's schools if we talk to children about respecting differences and similarities of others.
My children’s chapter book, No Tildes on Tuesday, has arrived at a crucial time. It is unique because there is a worksheet entitled: I am a Biracial/Multiracial Person! Let me Share My Attributes with You in the back of it. Students may be encouraged to discuss the personal attributes that they possess, or the positive strengths they have personally acquired over time. Just remove the title and use the worksheet as needed for discussion.
Once a child is given the necessary tools to strengthen his or her character, he or she will be strong enough to withstand upsets in life, including bullying.
What can we do?
1. Our children should learn to love themselves and appreciate who they are!
· Empowerment · Boost their self-esteem · Teach leadership skills · Social Problem-Solving Techniques
· Role Play -- helps build self-esteem, encourages the child to speak up, fosters encouragement/character building · Use Self-fulfilling prophecy · Use words of empowerment
By doing so, we will equip our children with strength to withstand!
2. Work with Administrators at Your Child's School -- Assist them with ideas to Bully
shield/proof our schools
· Foster climate of respect one to another · Encourage staff to talk to children about differences and acceptance of differences using friendly discourse · Teach and model acceptance of others · Implement school wide, classroom, and individual intervention programs · Implement school wide rules and sanctions
· Build and enforce a climate that is intolerant of bullying behaviors
3. Intervene -- Our children need to know that we are listening to them -- Hear about the pain they are experiencing
· There needs to be consistent supervision -- in hallways, under stairwells and places that children can easily hide and disguise themselves.
4. Talk to our children. Ask them about their day at school. Ask if there is anything we need to know.
· Get into the trenches -- Let your children know that you will be there for them "at all cost"
Dr. Cherrye S. Vasquez, Ph.D.
Author Cherrye S. Vasquez is a public school administrator and an adjunct professor. She is a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction; a Master of Education in Special Education; and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology/Audiology. Vasquez specializes in Multi-cultural education and holds certifications in Early Childhood Handicapped, Mid-Management and Educational Diagnostician.
Everybody out there’s walking around acting big 
