Cartoon Network's Stop Bullying: Speak Up Campaign

Unfortunately, middle schoolers sometimes feel the need to say rude comments, make fun of differences and use their "social status" to make other students miserable in order to cover-up for their own insecurities. While this isn't a new phenomenon, it has become increasingly easier to say and do mean things towards classmates via social networks, cell phones and other sources of technology. Since this issue has received national attention in recent months, the Cartoon Network has launched a Stop Bullying: Speak Up campaign to help raise attention about this problem and help students think of alternatives to being mean. Check out their link: http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/promotion_landing_page/stopbullying/index.html

For information about how to prevent your child from being a person who bullies or becoming a victim, the following link has some great resources:
http://www.stopbullying.gov/

Did You Know...
The word "bully" used to mean the total opposite of what it means now? Five-hundred years ago, it meant friend, family member, or sweetheart. The root of the word comes from the Dutch boel, meaning lover or
brother. (Source: PBS: It's My Life Website)

Here is an excerpt of a letter that I sent home in our recent Shark Bytes newsletter about what we do at our school:

With the recent media attention, both locally and nationally, on bullying issues, I thought this would be a good time to share with you what steps school staff continue to take to prevent, act on, and resolve conflicts between students. Most of the components of our program have been in place at WLMS for several years though it does seem each year we find new needs to address. Our staff is trained annually on the signs of conflict and is diligent about reporting to the front office or student services any issues they observe or hear about. Additionally, our guidance counselors go into classes on all three grade levels several times each year to teach students conflict resolution, assertiveness, and cyber-safety skills. We consistently teach about the Wilde Lake Way of being respectful, responsible, ready and safe. Any time a conflict is reported to school staff, it is taken seriously and can result in parent contact, mediations, as well as disciplinary action. While kids are always concerned about the ramifications of reporting on their peers, it is important that they know any information they share will be kept confidential, and the sooner we can get involved, the more options we have for solving the problem without anyone having to get "in trouble."

Although middle schoolers can frequently experience a wide array of emotions, it is important for adults to recognize the signs that indicate a social conflict is more than just normal middle school drama. Any time a child seems to display a significant change in personality, can't focus on school work, stops interacting with friends, resists coming to school, or makes comments indicating they might be self-injurious, it is time to seek help. Please do not hesitate to contact school staff to share your concerns. We can help by talking to your child, mediating, contacting parents, and making referrals to service providers when needed. It is also important to remember that most middle school students don’t meet the minimum age requirement for Facebook and other forms of social media. However, if you make the decision to allow your child to use these online social tools, it is critical that you monitor what they are posting online and sending via cell phone. Students cannot be reminded too often that if they wouldn't say it in person, it shouldn't be said on line. Middle schoolers are at an age when they need to make respectful and responsible choices with their language. While many conflicts may start in arenas that are beyond the control of the school, the issues can and do carry over when kids are gathered together during the school day. We tell students all the time that anything keeping them from focusing in class or coming to school becomes a school problem.

As middle schoolers work towards a greater degree of independence, it is important that they know all of the adults who care about them are still there for them and ready to help. Parents, school staff, coaches, volunteers, and other community members can all provide important supports during this critical time in their lives. Please do not hesitate to contact us at school if you have any concerns we can help with.

Thanks to my friend Gina for helping me compose this letter.