“The Frost is on the Pumpkin!”
That was my favorite chirp my Mom always gave when waking on the morning after the first frost. I have so many wonderful memories of my school years. Sadly, many students fear going to school due to the prevalence of bullying. Every school has them, as mine did when I was growing up. I was taught: “stand up to them and they will back down.” That isn’t always the best advice these days, as our bullies are more aggressive and fearless in their taunting. I believe that bullies are made not born. I have seen firsthand, with students who have resorted to home schooling, the devastating, emotional impact bullying has had on them.
October is National Bullying Awareness Month. I have dedicated this issue to bringing you information, resources, and events focused on understanding this sad behavior. If you have something to contribute visit my TutorDoctor Blog or send me a note at aneal@tutordoctor.com/aneal.
Sincerely,
Allison Neal
603.953.5025
aneal@tutordoctor.com
Be sure to check out or website for more information and Special Offers.
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In The News
ABC News (October 15, 2010): School bullying is epidemic and turning deadly. Click on this site to watch victim stories, get resources and more information and find out why kids become bullies. (read more)
USA Today (October 6, 2010): Teenage bullying is as old as the schoolyards where it happens. But where bullies once went home at the end of the school day, today they torment their targets at all hours through Internet portals and cellphones.
There’s no single, simple way to prevent cyber-cruelty so severe that the victims see no escape. Updated harassment laws, tougher enforcement, education and parental supervision all have a role.
But one untapped approach is to try to harness the same technology that facilitates the cruelty as a way to combat it. If fighting back against bullies is a tim eless way to silence them, perhaps what’s needed is a heavy dose of cyber-disgrace, imposed not by law but virally by more mature and responsible students. (read more)
The New York Times (June 27, 2010): Schools these days are confronted with complex questions on whether and how to deal with cyberbullying, an imprecise label for online activities ranging from barrages of teasing texts to sexually harassing group sites. The extent of the phenomenon is hard to quantify. But one 2010 study by the Cyberbullying Research Center, an organization founded by two criminologists who defined bullying as “willful and repeated harm” inflicted through phones and computers, said one in five middle-school students had been affected.
Affronted by cyberspace’s escalation of adolescent viciousness, many parents are looking to schools for justice, protection, even revenge. But many educators feel unprepared or unwilling to be prosecutors and judges. (read more)
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School Bullying Statistics
I found these statistics startling and had to share them with you. (read them all)
• 1 out of 4 kids is bullied.
• 77% of students are bullied mentally, verbally & physically
• 8% of students miss 1 day of class per month for fear of bullies
• 43% fear harassment in the bathroom at school
• 100,000 students carry a gun to school
• 28% of youths who carry weapons have witnessed violence at home
North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Center for the Prevention of School Violence Statistics compiled by Kathy Knoll at: http://hometown.aol.com/kthynol
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Tips to Help Stop Cyberbullying
An excellent on-line resource for parents and students that addresses all questions and concerns about connecting safely on-line is Connectsafely.org.
Their tips to help stop cyberbullying give some good advice to teens
Don’t respond…Don’t retaliate….Save the evidence….Talk to a trusted adult…Block the bully…Be civil…Don’t be a bully…Be a friend , not a bystander. (read in detail)
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Did you know that Tutor Doctor also does Home Schooling?
Choosing to go the road of home schooling can be an exciting, challenging, rewarding and sometimes scary one. The educators at Tutor Doctor have experience with this road and can help your family navigate the twists and turns along the way. Whether you are just starting on your journey or have been home schooling for years, every day presents new challenges and questions that Tutor Doctor can support you through. Call today for a free in home consultation 603.953.5025 or visit us at www.tutordoctor.com/aneal
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Let’s Get Serious About Those Study Habits
By investing just one or two hours per week your student can master the art of homework, test taking, and study skills. We offer programs that complement and reinforce the classroom learning because we partner with your teachers and target not only what your student needs but what their teacher expects. Your sessions are scheduled around their busy agendas, one on one instruction to meet your student’s specific learning style! Call now for a free assessment and build your program before second semester begins and receive $50 off any bundle of 12 hours or more with mention of this newsletter. 603.953.5025.
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Be Sure to See Us at These Events
October 20 – “The Doctor is In” Chamber series. Dr. Don Conant from Seacoast Family Chiropractic will speak on de-stressing back to school for both parents and children. Learn what constitutes a healthy response to the challenges that go with a normal childhood and keeping your children healthy. www.exeterarea.org
October 26 – Newmarket School to Career Partnership, Community Breakfast. 7:15-9:00 am at the Stone Church in Newmarket. Students, Educators and Community interacting to discover and explore career options. For more information or to reserve a spot contact Nancy Winterbottom at winterbottom@newmarket.k12.nh.us
October 27 – “The Doctor is In” Chamber series. Claudia Boozer-Blasco from UNH presents What Everyone Should Know About Bullying. Bullying in our schools and in our society is a much more damaging and dangerous experience for children than we ever suspected.This program gives parents a clear understanding of the impact in their school and their community; helps them identify common signs that their child may be a victim or perpetrator; provides parents with a clear, concise strategy for talking to their child. www.exeterarea.org
October 28 – Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training. Come hear Pete Wright talk about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests and measurements to measure progress and regression; SMART IEP’s; and strategies for effective advocacy. Come visit our booth in the vendor area. www.wrightslaw.com
October 30 – One of the largest craft fairs in New Hampshire featuring over 150 of the best crafters in New England. Open 9 am – 3 pm at the Somersworth High School. www.nhfestivals.org
November 5 – Registration deadline for December 4 SAT
November 6 – SAT and subjects tests
November 15 – 19 – National Education Week
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