The POWER to Shut It Down: Bullying is Not OK!

A lot of young people have a good idea of what bullying is because they see it every day! Bullying happens when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose and the person being bullied has a hard time defending himself or herself.

Usually, bullying happens over and over.

• Punching, shoving and other acts hurts people physically.
• Don't spread rumors about people.
• Don't keep certain people out of a "group."
• Teasing people hurts feelings.
• Don't "gang up" on others.

Bullying also can happen online or electronically. Cyber bullying is when children or teens bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology.

This can include:

• Sending a harmful text, email or instant message.
• Posting nasty pictures of messages about other in blogs or on web sites.
• Using someone else's user name to spread rumors or lies. 

To see how you can help stop bullying, click here. 

There's no shame in admitting you've been bullied. In fact, studies show that between 15-25% of U.S. student are bullied with some degree of frequency. 

The important thing to remember is that you're not alone. Talk to a friend, your parents, an older sibling or an adult you trust. Read the tips below and learn to rise above bullying.

Avoid bullies and places where bullies are. If the bully won't stay away from you then stay calm and ignore the bully and walk away. The bully wants you to get mad so don't.

• Don't act scared. Don't fight back or get mad. It'll make the bullying worse.
• Don't be alone in hallways, restrooms or empty classrooms. Walk to school with a sibling or a friend.
• Join groups and find friends. Bullies pick on kids who are alone.
• If you are being cyber bullied, do not erase the messages or pictures. Save them as evidence; try to identify the individual doing it even if the messages are anonymous.
• Sending inappropriate language may violate the "Terms and Conditions" of email services, Internet Service Providers, Websites, and cell phone companies. Consider contacting these providers and filing a complaint.
• Always remember: It's OK to be different, it's OK to be yourself. This too shall pass and it will get better.

• First, focus on your child. Be supportive and gather information about the bullying.
• Contact your child's teacher or principal.
• Help to develop talents or positive attributes of your child.

• Develop clear and consistent rules within your family for your children's behavior.
• Spend more time with your child and carefully supervise and monitor his or her activities.
• Build on your child's talents by encouraging him or her to get involved in prosocial activities (such as clubs, music lessons, nonviolent sports).
• Share your concerns with your child's teacher, counselor, or principal.

Parents, for more information about bullying click here.