Why are kids mean to each other? Usually they’re trying to get back at someone who hurt them. Or they’re trying to embarrass someone they don’t like even if that person hasn’t done anything.
Maybe bullies think that targeting others can save you from being targeted. Or that being first in line to start a rumor, make a rude comment, or threaten someone makes you cooler.
Anyone who believes that is wrong.
Cruel’s Not Cool! an anti-bullying campaign to engage students, teachers, administrators and parents in a community-wide exploration of our culture of cruelty, why cruel’s not cool, and what each of us can do, moment-by-moment to take back our schools by making them safer, more accepting places for all students all the time.
From Terra’s Inbox: Q&A About Bullying
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From a Parent: “My child is being teased!”Dear Annie, My son is a first grader. He was born with a small mole on his chin. Kids on the bus tease him constantly about it and say ugly things to him. I know children can be cruel and I know that unfortunately teasing is a part of life, but it is starting to make him extremely self conscious to the point of him not wanting to go to school. He's also starting to become insecure about himself. I was teased badly as a child myself and my parents did nothing. I want to give him effective advice so he can stick up for himself, but I'm not quite sure what to say! Help! Helpless Mom |
From a Teen: “My friend dug her nails into my skin.”Hey Terra, Last weekend I was with a friend and she dug her nails into my skin and I got a bad cut on my arm. And today at school I was sitting eating lunch and she came and says "Scoot over." and I didn't so she goes to the other side and she starts pushing me. And and all of a sudden she pushes my arm and my arm locks and it is in screaming pain and it has been hurting all day. I am really mad at her and she knew I was in a lot of pain but she didn't say sorry. She doesn't have a lot of friends and a lot of people don't like her. I talked to her about things like this earlier this school year and she hasn't changed and I don't know what I should do. I don't want to hang out with her but she wants to hang out with me. What should I do?????? Help |
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| Read Annie’s Answer » | Read Terra’s Answer » |
More letters about bullying from teens »
More letters about bullying from parents »
Additional Resources:
- Facebook — We’ve set up a Facebook page so you can join the discussion about bullying... share your experiences and any solutions you’ve found that actually help. Connect with others committed to ending bullying. More »
- Blog Post: “We kids would like to know…” — For almost 13 years tweens and teens have been asking me questions. Usually they’re having problems with friends, former friends, mean kids… You get the picture. Their sadness and confusion gets to me. Sometimes I tear up at the keyboard. Sometimes I yell in frustration. They don’t understand why a friend would treat them this way. I don’t get it either. But I try my best to help by telling them what they can do to improve the situation. More »
- Parent Forum article — “Don’t Add to the Garbage”
- Parenting tips for helping kids deal with friendship challenges
- Parenting tips for helping kids survive mean girls/guys
- Podcast: Queen Bees Go Hi-Tech — Guest: Rosalind Wiseman
- Download “Cruel's Not Cool” Workshop PDF
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