All About Bullying – Counselor Tips

Bullying is a HOT TOPIC these days.

Experiences with bullying, teasing, relational aggression, and school violence are an all too common part of childhood and adolescence. Schools and communities are looking for ways to address these issues, while children, teens, and caring adults deal with the day-to-day fear and misery caused by such behavior.

Books for children and teens about bullying, teasing, and other aggressive behaviors range from purposeful to highly literary in style, while offerings span the spectrum from lighthearted to grave. The books on this list provide perspectives from the standpoint of being a target, aggressor, observer, or all three. Below are some helpful resources and suggestions to help your child deal with “bullying.”

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

“Nobody Knew What to Do” by Becky Ray McCain – Straightforward and simple, this story tells how one child found the courage to tell a teacher about Ray, who was being picked on and bullied by other kids in school.

“Just Kidding” by Trudy Ludwig – A rare look at emotional bullying among boys. D.J.’s friend Vince has a habit of teasing D.J. and then saying, Just kidding!” as if it will make everything okay. It doesn’t, but D.J. is afraid that if he protests, his friends will think he can’t take a joke. With the help of his father, brother, and an understanding teacher, D.J. progresses from feeling helpless to taking positive action, undermining the power of two seemingly harmless words.

“The Juice Box Bully” by Bob Sorenson – Have you ever seen a bully in action and done nothing about it? The kids at Pete’s new school get involved, instead of being bystanders.

“Teasing” by Joy Berry – I use this book as an introduction to the very young in my school about the consequences of teasing someone. We discuss what teasing is and how to be a friend.

“The Tease Monster” by Julia Cook – It’s hard to know when someone is teasing you or if it’s just “friendly banter”. With words of wisdom from Mom about the Tease Monster, One discovers that teasing is part of life.

“Simon’s Hook: A Story About Teases and Put-downs” by Karen Gedig Burnett – Simon is teased because he has a strange haircut, but his family members teach him how to “roll with” the teasing. This story offers great advice about how to handle teasing.

“Being Bullied” by Joy Berry – This book is a great way to introduce young children into the world of “bullying,” By explaining what bullying is (and is not) and how it makes people feel, the book explains how to handle it if it occurs to you.

“My Secret Bully” by Trudy Ludwig – I talk with many of my students about a “sometimes friend.” This is a friend who is sometimes nice and sometimes mean. My Secret Bully is great for girls because it helps them understand what a friend is and is not. They may even see themselves in this tale!

“Trouble Talk” by Trudy Ludwig – This story is great for a rumors and gossip lesson because it shows a friend who is constantly talking about people to others. This is a common problem with children (even adults at times) and this story shows how to think twice before trusting things you hear.

VIDEOS

Video of Slide Presentation – Bullying vs Conflict

Video of the Bullying vs Conflict Discussion between Bonnie and Christine

INFORMATION