Internet Resources About Bullying

PACER's National Center For Bullying Prevention

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Stop Bullying Now!

Bullying Can Be A Crime!-National Center for Victims of Crime

Champions Against Bullying

Report Bullying

Bullying and Students with Disabilities-2004 Summary Report of Parent Focus Groups


If you suspect your child may be the victim of bullying ask him or her to tell you what's going on.  It's important to respond in a positive and accepting manner.  Let your child know it's not his or her fault, and that he or she did the right thing by telling you.  Ask your child what he or she thinks should be done.  What's already been tried?  What worked and what didn't?  Help your child practice what to say to the bully so he or she will be prepared the next time.

 Other specific suggestions include the following:

• Know the school policies that protect students from harassment, bullying, and physical violence.  All students have the right to a safe and secure learning environment.  Get copies of these policies and procedures.
• Seek help from your child's teacher, the school guidance counselor, and school administrators -- and hold them accountable for following school policy.  Most bullying occurs on playgrounds, in lunchrooms, and bathrooms, on school buses or in unsupervised halls. 
  
• Ask the school administrators to find out about programs other schools and communities have used to help combat bullying, such as peer mediation, conflict resolution, anger management training, and increased adult supervision.
• Notify the police if your child is assaulted.  Get a restraining order so that the bully is required by law to have no contact with your child.
• If school officials and the police do not follow policy or laws, take legal action.
  

If your child becomes withdrawn, depressed, reluctant to go to school, or if you see a decline in school performance, additional consultation or intervention may be required.

A mental health professional can help your child and family and the school develop a strategy to deal with the bullying.  Seeking professional assistance earlier can lessen the risk of lasting emotional consequences for your child.

 
What can adults do to stop the bullying?

 Combating bullying is a mission that requires cooperation between everyone involved.  Parents, the school, and the community must work together to stop bullying.  A comprehensive intervention plan that involves all students, parents, and school staff can help ensure that all students can learn in a safe and fear-free environment.

This can include school surveys on bullying to identify the problem, awareness campaigns in schools, churches, places of worship, libraries, and recreation centers, and a school climate where bullying is not tolerated (educational programs, peer counseling, whole-school policies, classroom rules, cooperative learning activities, increased supervision during lunch and recess).