Sharon Scott, LPC, LMFT - - Did you know that 160,000 kids today will not go to school for fear of being bullied?
In our high-tech world kids can be bullied 24/7 through social networks, texts, e-mails and through their cell phones.
We have all heard from the news about bullying getting so bad that some kids have committed suicide.
Listen to a Families Online Radio Interview with Sharon Scott,LPC LMFT
Books That Work!
By Sharon Scott, LPC LMFT
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Sharon is the author of eight award-winning books including four on the topic of peer pressure.
The guide for parents/educators on how to peer-proof children and teens is Peer Pressure Reversal: An Adult Guide to Developing a Responsible Child, 2nd Ed.
Her best-selling book for teens, How to Say No and Keep Your Friends, 2nd Ed., empowers kids to stand out—not just fit in! A follow-up book for teens, When to Say Yes! And Make More
Friends, shows adolescents how to select and meet quality friends and, in general, feel good for doing and being good.
Sharon also has a charming series of five books for elementary-age children each teaching an important living skill and “co-authored” with her savvy cocker spaniel Nicholas who makes the learning fun. Their book on managing elementary-age peer pressure is titled Too Smart for Trouble.In my private counseling practice, I see this all the time. I think of one client in particular who was born with some serious health issues that have resulted in her having a short, stocky stature. She gets teased every day at school.
How would you like to go someplace every day where you get made fun of? She is showing signs of depression, and is so unhappy that she is defiant at home and her grades are dropping.
There are two boys in one of her classes that tease her if she makes a good grade; tease her if she turns in work late; tease her about her appearance if she stands up in class---she's afraid to move and knows she can't win.
What does this have to do with your child? Well, I think we have to teach our children to stand up for others. We have to have conversations about unkind behavior and tell them stories about people being emotionally crushed and even dying because of bullying.
They need to develop sensitivity to the needs of others instead of being a passive bystander.
I'm not suggesting they do this by themselves nor stand up to a big, tough kid.
I'm suggesting that they have a pact with their friends that if they witness bullying within their own school or neighborhood that they will:
- Tell the bully to stop it
- Walk the victim away from the cruel words.
- And if they see it continue, they need to tell a trusted adult what is going on.
There is power in several people with good character helping another person in need!
