Teacher told an experience with bullying

[FamilyGal]

My oldest son was telling me that one of his teachers told them that when he was younger he bullied a kid so much that the kid committed suicide. He goes onto say that experience changed his life and he turned himself around. What a powerful story to tell the kids! But, how sad.:(

[eaglesprings]

Wow!

Oldest told us a classmate is wanting her address and phone number, but has threatened to play "tricks" on her. I told her she should never give her address or phone number to anyone she is uncomfortable with. I'm sure a 4th grader could not get here, anyway, but I do want the girls to know how to handle "bullies." I'm afraid the "bullying" thing is going to be a part of their lives, and I'd like to teach them to handle it, and, well, not be "bullied."

[FamilyGal]

She should just give her the wrong one....hehe (One that doesn't exist, in case the kid really does want to play a prank.)

[Wilson]

Give her the number to the local police station ;)

[Wilson]

ES - I *highly* recommend reading this book:

Queen Bees and Wannabes (http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Bees-Wannabes-Boyfriends-Adolescence/dp/0609609459/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/103-8347011-2585407?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190294906&sr=8-2)

[FamilyGal]

Give her the number to the local police station ;)


Even better idea!

[eaglesprings]

LOL! The phone number and the address! LOL!!!!!!!

I'll keep an eye out for that book. I did buy a book on handling bullies at Jill's a week or so ago. I didn't think I'd have to start reading it this soon in the school year, though. It's really not a children's book, but an easy enough read that oldest could understand it. I'll probably just read it myself and share the info with her.

[schnauzermom]

Or watch the movie Mean Girls. I think it got it's theme from the book. The mother in that move cracks me up. "I'm not a normal mom, I'm a cool mom". I ususally reverse this when talking to my 7th grader.

[eaglesprings]

Is that a recent release? And, is it appropriate for kids to watch? Or, should I watch it when they are at school?

[schnauzermom]

It has Lindsey Lohan before she started partying and getting really skinny. My 7th grader has seen it many times but I don't think it's appropriate for younger kids. Watch it without them.

[TXrose]

Bullying can be more than physical. Teasing about clothes, hair etc. and yes 4th graders do this. I got so peeved at my one of my daughter's elementary school years ago, another girl was teasing her about her clothes, saying they didn't match etc etc. The mom was also a teacher at the school and I knew her. I talked to my daughter's teacher, it never got better so I called the mom. Her comment was well Mrs. so and so says it's just because it's the end of the year. I told her no this has been going on for months and I told the teacher months ago, it has to stop or my next stop was Administration and the district. In the district I work in we send the kids to the AP if they have any complaints about another student harrassing them in any way. But it does happen at very young ages. I just don't think CISD addresses the problem very seriously.

[FamilyGal]

I just don't think CISD addresses the problem very seriously.

I think they are starting to get better about it, but I agree they haven't always dealt with it appropriately. But, I guess it all depends on the school. They seem to all handle it differently.