Bullying needs to end! Parents what are you doing to help it end?

We have written blogs about bullying before – but in light of the recent bullicides in the news we felt the need to write another……

We are extremely saddened by recent events and it had us thinking about – parenting and wonder if we as Parents have to start really examining our own bias and feelings towards other people. 

Think about it… what are you modeling for your child? What are you saying? What are you doing to show your child you are an empathetic, caring, compassionate human being? What are you teaching your children today to give them the understanding that actions have consequences?  One of the goals of KidSafe is to teach children how to use their inner safety voice…..that little voice inside their heads that allows them  to stop before acting… to think about the consequences of their actions, in the hope that they will make safer and smarter choices.  It is hard for children to not react right away and to stop and question situations (for that matter it is hard for adults)… but we can teach them…they can learn this skill – but are we the parents modeling using this skill too?

We are heartbroken over the girl with cerebral palsy who was bullied so badly on the bus that her dad had to come on the bus to protect her and his frustrations got the best of him because the children showed no empathy, tolerance or understanding for what they put his little girl through – what happened?  He was arrested. This is what it has come to. We wonder what do the parents of the bully’s think about their children’s behavior? Are they proud?

Last week the college student who committed suicide after he was videotaped with another boy and it was posted online – a major case of cyber bullying.  We are disgusted, and horrified – and wonder, what is lacking in these children? Where is the compassion for people? Where is the tolerance? What are these children learning at home that makes them think this is okay – have they never been taught  to treat people the way they would like to be treated?

Baffled….upset…confused…disturbed and the list of emotions we are feeling goes on …about what is happening to our children.  Programs like KidSafe are trying to make a difference by teaching children empathy for others by discussion and  role playing real life situation to teach children how to handle safety situations…But at the end of the day our students go home to their parents…so ask yourself right now……What are you doing to help contribute to your child’s attitude about people and the world?  What is one thing you can do right now to increase your child’s compassion for others?  Please read our recommendations below:

• Take the time to sit down with your child and talk to them about bullying/cyber bullying/ respect/empathy, compassion and tolerance – tell your child if you see someone being bullied – try to think how you would feel if it was you – what would you want and need??? Then be that person. 

(We taught middle school children recently. They are all aware, confused and frightened of the latest cyber bullying suicides. We asked if they had spoken with their parents about it. One, only one student’s parents had the courage and took the time to talk directly with their child about the issues. Perhaps we need to stop just living under the same roof as our children and start having real conversations.)

KidSafe Suggestions for Continuing the Conversation on this Sensitive Topic

Ø  All children need to know and be told regularly that they are loved no matter what. Parents please have this conversation with your kids all the time not just when they are in a moment of crisis or conflict.

Ø  Emphasize to your children/teens/young adults that embarrassing and perhaps awful humiliating things do happen in life – and that yes – with the internet it is worse. BUT also remind them that as painful as the moment is, it will pass, the escape of suicide is not the option.

Ø  Help build your child’s confidence, increase their social circle, put them into situations in which they can do well and prosper. Show them life outside of the one in which they are living..volunteer for others less fortunate, because at the end of the day you can usually find someone that has it much worse.

Ø  Remind your children that you are available and they can come to you with anything – nothing will be too daunting for you as the adult . Explain to them that no matter what there is help and support out there and you will be by their side and on their side through and through.

One child’s callousness should not have the power to end another’s life. We need to keep this conversation going on both sides of this crisis. We as parents  can make a difference.  When you finish reading this blog ask yourself, what kind of person do I want my child to be when they grow-up ?  We hope it is the answer parents have been given for years – to be better than I was – to do better than I did…well that can only happen if we (the parents) raise ourselves up to be the best we can be…for more information on our programs and to sign up for our FREE newsletters www.kidsafefoundation.org