Community Solutions

We all have to admit that when someone is teasing us that it is first instinct to say something hurtful back, to make them feel the pain that we do. But step back and think about that for a second, if we do that we're becoming just like them. Is that really what you want? To be exactly the same as the person that makes our lives miserable? Of course not, and it does not solve anything anyways. I think people need to learn how to stand up for themselves without causing any unnecessary damage, even if it seems like the person deserves it. Sometimes by reacting this way, it just adds more fuel to the fire. To the point where the issue becomes deadly, and almost unable to be fixed. Though when it comes to dealing with bullies, it is a difficult position to be in. The most frequent question I have received is. What can you do? 

One of the best ways I have found to help victims are joining projects that raise awareness about bullying. Whether it is through an online group; or a meeting group in your local area. Organizations like these can bring a whole community together to solve great problems in today's society. Community-wide strategies can help identify and support children who are bullied, redirect the behavior of children who bully, and change the attitudes of adults and youth who tolerate bullying behaviors in peer groups, schools, and communities. Study community strengths and needs: Think about using opinion surveys, interviews, and focus groups to answer these questions. Learn how schools assess bullying. Consider open forums like group discussions with community leaders, businesses, parent groups, and churches. Raise awareness about your message. Develop and distribute print materials. Encourage local radio, TV, newspapers, and websites to give public service announcements prime space. Introduce bullying prevention to groups. Community members can use their unique strengths and skills to prevent bullying wherever it occurs. For example, youth sports groups may train coaches to prevent bullying. Local businesses may make t-shirts with bullying prevention slogans for an event. After-care staff may read books about bullying to kids and discuss them. Hearing anti-bullying messages from the different adults in their lives can reinforce the message for kids that bullying is unacceptable. Involve anyone who wants to learn about bullying and reduce its impact in the community. Consider involving businesses, local associations, adults who work directly with parents and youth. Identify partners such as mental health specialists, law enforcement officers, neighborhood associations, service groups, faith-based organizations, and businesses. Learn what types of bullying community members see and discuss developing targeted solutions!

Hopefully you found this article helpful.