We have found when acting as bystanders and witnesses to bullying, many elementary school children would like to help stop it, but don’t know how, because they’re caught off guard and don’t know what to do. Here are some simple things to teach your children:
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You can say “That’s not funny,” in response to a child or group of children teasing another child.
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You can say “That’s not true,” if a child or group of children is saying something false or unfairly exaggerated about another child.
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If another child is being teased, the best thing for them to do is to remove themselves from the situation, but they might be too scared. You can say “Come on, we’re going,” and lead the other child to a safer place.
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You can say “Stop it,” or “cut it out,” or “that’s enough” anytime you hear a child or group of children teasing another child.
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You can ask the bully or bullies “How would you feel if somebody said that to you or about you?”
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You can do any of these things, and you do not have to do any of these things if you don’t feel safe. The choice is yours. Wouldn’t you want somebody to help you, if they could, if you were the one being bullied?
Chief Robert and Terri Lynn TallTree
www.thetalltrees.com
“Teach us love, compassion and honor…that we may heal the Earth, and heal each other.” – Ojibwe prayer
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