Sam's stomach sinks as he see the bus pull up at his stop.
Past experience tells him that there will most likely be several kids who will not welcome him to sit next to them.
Others will jab, trip, or kick him as he walks by.
Another may tear at his backpack.
Once he makes it to school, there is a bigger kid at the door to greet him, who snatches his lunch, takes what he wants, then wads the sack up and drops it on the floor.
Sam struggles with his school work, has few friends, and watches the clock all day long in anticipation for the final bell to ring and for the day to be over.
Sam is being bullied and his situation is being played out in schools everywhere.
Bullying can be verbal, such as name calling and put-downs; physical like hitting, kicking, or damaging property, or relational such as spreading rumors, or threatening friendships.
Bullying can have long term emotional effects and is different from normal child conflict.
A bully has power over the target and purposely causes harm and then repeats the action.
If your child is being bullied he or she might not tell you.
Lots of times kids feel embarrassed or think they've done something to deserve being bullied.
Kids need to know that bullying is violence and not their fault.
Signs to watch for: • Headaches • Not wanting to go to school • Stomachaches, sleeplessness, bed wetting • Drop in grades • Coming home with torn or dirty clothing • few or no friends If you think your child is being bullied ask questions.
Contact the school, speak with the principal, and file a report.
If the school conducts an investigation make sure they don't try and bring the bully and your child together since the imbalance of power could result in an escalation of the bullying.
Most kids don't have the skills to deal with a bully on their own.
They need the help of an adult to resolve the issue.
Be there for them.