2. Describe the problem - where and when does bullying happen?

1. Define the problem - what is bullying?
2. Describe the problem - where and when does bullying happen?
3. Remember bullying is a choice a behavior - not a person
4. Agree that it is unacceptable behavior - a bad choice - this sounds obvious but it is not
4. Talk about it - spread the word
5. Help find a strategy that works for where it is happening - keep after it
6. Keep growing the areas that bullying is not allowed - eventually there will be no bullying

Keri did a great job defining the problem in her comment here - now lets describe the problem of bullying.

"Boys will be boys" "5th grade girls are just so mean, that is just the way they are"

If you talk to parents educators or kids you will hear this - it is just crazy. Let me tell you why.

It is not OK to be teased, to feel nervous or scared every time you go to the bathroom, login to your account, or get dropped off for school. When we say any excuse for bullying behavior we are letting it happen.

We have to stop.

At School:

To stop something - you have to be able to recognize it. You have to be able to say this is wrong - it makes me sad or mad or scared.

Another great strategy is called IGNORE them. If you respond by showing you are frightened - it gives them power.  If they make fun of how long your legs are and you turn it into a joke - or just ignore them it may shut it down right there

If someone continues to behave in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable - tell an adult. Find the adult in charge of the cafeteria - meet with the counselor - tell a teacher how this makes you feel. If you do not see this behavior change talk to the adult again.

Remember - it is a behavior not a person.