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 that hurt people physically
• Spreading bad rumors about people
• Keeping certain people out of a "group"
• Teasing people in a mean way
• Getting certain people to "gang up" on others

Bullying also can happen on-line or electronically. Cyberbullying is when children or teens bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This can include:

• Sending mean text, e-mail, or instant messages;
• Posting nasty pictures or messages about others in blogs or on Web sites;
• Using someone else's user name to spread rumors or lies about someone.

Unfortunately, not everyone takes bullying seriously, including adults. Which is one of the main reasons that the Youth Expert Panel has worked alongside the representatives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) to develop the Take A Stand. Lend A Hand. Stop Bullying Now! campaign. For more information about this program, visit http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov

New content is now online! The web updates for the Stop Bullying Now! site are now available at www.StopBullyingNow.hrsa.gov!

 

We have included a summary of the new content below, and you can click on the embedded links to learn more: 

 

·         Ask the Expert with Kevin Jennings : Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education, Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, provides Q&A on school climate

·         New poll question : “How often do you feel safe when you are at school?”

·         Article: Positive School Climates :  Research about the effects of school climates on students' abilities to learn and teachers' capacity to teach

·         New posters :  Download these 8.5" x 11" posters featuring the Stop Bullying Now! Campaign

·         State Law Map : This map includes the addition of Massachusetts. (Note: Mississippi to be added soon.)

·         Spanish materials

 

We encourage you to take a look at the site and experience the new materials for yourself.  You can use the new information to keep the subject of bullying prevention an on-going conversation. 

 

If you would like to receive free Stop Bullying Now! DVDs or Activities Guides for upcoming conferences and events, please contact Tabitha Porterfield at Tabitha.Porterfield@widmeyer.com .