CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. School Bullying: What It Is and Why It Hurts
2. The Role of Bullies, Victims, and Witnesses
3. Factors Contributing to Bullying and Violence
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Treatment For Children and Adolescents
6. Prevention and Intervention
7. Legal and Ethical Issues

Supplements
Case Studies
Fact Sheets
References
Resources

The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression

For the Child Being Bullied

The behavior of parents will differ depending on whether their child is being bullied or is the child who is bullying. Children who are bullied tend to be scared and fragile and should never be blamed for the incident. All children deserve to be treated with respect and courtesy.ref If a child has been a victim of a bully, parents should:ref^, ref

• Find out in detail what happened. Listen to the child and do not interrupt until he or she is finished.
• Contact the child's teacher, school counselor, and school administrator to alert them to the incident and ask for their cooperation.
• Avoid blaming anyone, especially the victim.
• Refrain from encouraging the child to be aggressive or strike back.
• Discuss assertive alternatives to responding to bullies and role-play responses with the child (see What Students Can Do).
• Be prepared to contact an attorney if the bullying continues and if the school does not take appropriate action for the child.
• Encourage the school to work collaboratively with you and others to take the bullying seriously and investigate the facts.
• Keep a log book (with the child if possible) describing the incidents of harassment or bullying, when they occurred, who took part, and what was said and done. This can strengthen a parent's case when contacting the school principal and/or teachers.
• Be patient. If often takes time for someone to change negative behaviors and interactions.