How to Handle Bullies

www.cyberbullying.info

What is cyberbullying? How is it different than facing a bully in real life? What can kids do about it? This site provides the answers in a playful format. Users visit Detective Henshaw's office and click on objects to reveal information, such as how different media (chat, text messages) are used to intimidate others. Created by: Chris Webster, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. Detour: Play “Shrink the Cyberbully” at www.mcgruff.org/Games/cyberbully.php.

kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/emotion/bullies.html

This brief article will help adults start a dialog with kids about what to do if they are being bullied (also available in Spanish). Created by: The Nemours Foundation, Wilmington, DE. Detour: If a teen is being victimized, read “Dealing With Bullying” at kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/bullies.html (also available in Spanish).

pbskids.org/itsmylife/friends/bullies

Geared for middle school students, “Bully-Free Zones” on this site offers a book list of related fiction and nonfiction for kids. “Watch It,” a video, has kids discussing bullies. Created by: Public Broadcasting Service, Arlington, VA. Don't Miss: Play the “Beat the Bully” game and win a race between you and your nemesis. Detour: For another fun online game, try “The Bully Roundup” at www.bam.gov/sub_yourlife/yourlife_bullyroundup.html#.

www.mcgruff.org

Here, McGruff the Crime Dog teaches elementary youngsters how to cope with bullies. In games such as “Shrink the Cyberbully” and “Stop the Bully,” users learn about aggressors encountered in real life and online. The section “Parents & Educators” provides statistics and advice for adults. Created by: The National Crime Prevention Council, Washington, DC. Detour: Concerned adults can access the NCPC handout “Stop Cyberbullying Before It Starts” at www.ncpc.org/topics/by-audience/parents/bullying/cyberbullying/cyberbullying.pdf.

stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.asp?area=main

This must-see site discusses what middle school kids can do if they are victimized by or witness bullying—or if they bully others. Created by: U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD. Don't Miss: All 12 of the animated “webisodes,” each covering a different aspect of bullying. If you're planning workshops on bullying, each would make a great intro, and the accompanying discussion questions will make it easy to get folks talking. Detour: For more helpful teaching ideas, visit “Bullying – Lesson Plans and Strategies” at www.educationworld.com/a_special/bully.shtml.