OHHHH Teachers...

I'm working on a semi capstone project for school.

Its about bullying. All types, I was hoping you could give me your opinions on how your parents react to bullying and if they seem aware or unaware of the signs or suggestions that their child may be a bully or may be a victim.

I'm not publishing any of the info, I just was curious. I dont know if anyone else has noticed but I feel like I am hearing of alot more deaths because of this problem.

Thanks ladies

I am on the anti-bullying task force for my school district. We have found that there is SO much bullying going on and so many different types. I think the internet, cell phones etc have allowed bullying to increase without parents/teachers knowing it. Something that parents seem to misunderstand is the difference between bullying and children who exhibit negative behaviors towards others. The way we talk about bullying is a type of repeated behavior in which there is a clear imbalance of power. Whether it's socially ('i have more friends and am not going to be your friend) Physical (I am bigger and stronger than you') or whatever, there is some sort of power imbalance.

My principal is very hesitant to lable a child as a 'bully.' I think the parents appreciate that...no parent wants to think their kid is a bully. But he does explain this power struggle and that there may be tendencies that if continued will constitute bullying.

One of the hardest parts of bullying in my eyes is the role of the bystander. Children are afraid to tell what they saw because they are afraid that they will become the target. Providing a safe environment for the bystanders to speak up is CRUCIAL.

Sorry I dont know if any of this is helpful but I feel really strongly about this...plesae let me know if any of this is helpful...i could keep going and going...