Five back to school bullying prevention tips

Bullying can have a major impact on people who are targeted: It can make people feel scared, uncomfortable, confused and lacking in confidence. From school to the workplace to online, bullying can happen in a variety of different places, but the long-term damage has a lasting impact on those who are affected.

Becoming more than a bystander isn't easy, but helping to put a stop to the cycle of hurt that people experience is critical. Intervening when someone is being bullied can be the key to stopping it and changing the attitudes and actions of individuals or groups of people. 

As one of the leading charity organizations in the country, the Canadian Red Cross is committed to reducing bullying through violence prevention education programs that help Canadians learn essential interpersonal and communication skills.

With the knowledge that violence and abuse prevention programs provide, Canadians are better able to reduce the occurrence of bullying and harassment in their communities. As people learn and develop violence prevention skills, the harmful impact of bullying, harassment and abuse can be minimized.

As the summer winds down and back to school preparations begin, parents need to remember that bullying often happens at school. With the following five tips, children and youth can overcome the threat of bullying and enjoy a safer, healthier and happier year back in the classroom.

1. Reach out to adults or teachers!
Children who are feeling scared, threatened or intimidated by a person who bullies at school may be too afraid to talk about what is happening with an adult or teacher, but by doing this they can actually be very effective in stopping the bullying. Encourage your son or daughter to talk about what is happening with an adult he or she trusts. Telling will not make the problem worse. It will help make it better.  It is an adult's responsibility to protect children.

2. Respect others!
The most important lesson that you can impart to your child is to encourage him or her to have respect for both themself and other people. In many instances, this can be essential for overcoming the challenges of bullying in school.

3. Don't be part of an audience!
Does your son or daughter know that 85 per cent of bullying takes place in front of an audience? A person doesn't have to be directly targeted by those who bully to be impacted negatively by harmful behaviours. Tell your child to turn away from crowds that can build around a person who bullies and find an adult who can stop it. Don't be part of the problem – be part of the solution!

4. Stand Up to Bullying!
Bullying is wrong and hurtful. When someone has the courage to intervene, there is a good chance the bullying will stop.  If your child witnesses bullying, he or she should not join in but find ways to stand up for the person who is being picked on. Make sure they know that no one deserves to be bullied.

5. Online messaging can be hurtful!
Cyber-bullying is a serious issue and can include posting mean or threatening messages on social networking sites, sending pictures of someone over a text message, hacking into social media or e-mails and sending inappropriate or unkind messages.

Your child needs to know that if they are being bullied or harassed online, they need to tell you or an adult they trust. They also need to be reminded that social messaging is to be used for positive communication, not to send hurtful messages. Keep the computer in an open area and monitor your child's online activity. You may be able to see signs of cyber-bullying yourself and be better able to put an end to negative behaviours

From violence and abuse prevention to emergency and disaster relief, the humanitarian work of the Canadian Red Cross can help to improve the lives of those in need both in Canada and abroad.

To make a difference and help the Red Cross continue with its mission to help people affected by adversity, please donate online or at your local Red Cross office.