At Asa Packer, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and happy. This page is all about how we can work together to stop bullying and create a kinder, more caring school.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is when someone repeatedly hurts, picks on, or makes fun of another person on purpose. It can happen in many ways:
Physical bullying (hitting, pushing, tripping)
Verbal bullying (name-calling, teasing, yelling)
Social bullying (leaving someone out, spreading rumors)
Cyberbullying (sending mean messages or posts online)
Why Is Bullying Harmful?
Bullying hurts everyone involved:
The person being bullied might feel sad, scared, or lonely.
The person bullying might hurt others and miss out on making real friends.
The whole school feels less kind when bullying happens.
We all need to treat each other with kindness and respect so everyone can feel safe and happy.
How to Spot Bullying
Sometimes, it can be hard to know if something is bullying. Here are some ways to recognize it:
Repeated behavior: Bullying happens more than once, over and over again.
Intentional harm: Someone is doing it on purpose to hurt or upset another person.
Unfair power: One person has more control or power over the other.
If you see or hear something that doesn't feel right, it might be bullying. It’s important to do something about it!
What Can You Do to Stop Bullying?
We can all make a big difference in stopping bullying. Here’s how you can help:
Be a buddy, not a bully! Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Include everyone. Invite someone who’s alone to play or join in.
Speak up! If you see bullying, tell an adult or a trusted friend. It’s important to get help.
Be kind every day. A little kindness can go a long way!
How to Report Bullying
If you see or experience bullying, it’s important to tell an adult you trust. Here’s how you can report bullying:
Tell a teacher, counselor, or principal. They are here to help.
Talk to your parents or guardians. They can help you, too!
Remember, it’s brave to speak up! You are not alone.
What Happens When I Report Bullying?
When you report bullying, the school will:
Listen to your concerns and make sure you’re safe.
Investigate to understand what happened.
Take action to stop the bullying, including helping both the victim and the person doing the bullying.
Our goal is to make sure everyone feels safe and happy at school!
Helpful Tips for Parents and Guardians
We need your help at home, too! Here are some tips for parents and guardians:
Talk to your child about bullying and how to treat others with kindness.
Be involved in your child’s school life—ask about their friends and activities.
Encourage open communication—let your child know they can talk to you if they feel scared or uncomfortable.
Together, we can make sure your child has the best school experience possible!
Videos:
"The Kindness Boomerang" on YouTube
Books:
"Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" by Patty Lovell
This story follows Molly Lou Melon, a young girl who is small and often made fun of, but she learns to embrace her differences and stand tall with confidence. It encourages kids to embrace who they are and not let bullies define them.
"The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others" by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy
This book focuses on empowering children to take a stand against bullying. It encourages kids to speak up when they see bullying and provides tools for fostering a positive, supportive community.
"Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully" by Audrey Penn
Part of the "Kissing Hand" series, this book helps children understand the emotional impact of bullying and how they can handle bullying situations with courage and kindness.
"Each Kindness" by Jacqueline Woodson
This story highlights the power of kindness and the regret of missed opportunities to be kind. It helps kids understand that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
"The Recess Queen" by Alexis O'Neill
A story about a bully named Mean Jean who rules the playground until a new girl named Melvin stands up to her. The book emphasizes the importance of friendship, standing up to bullies, and creating a positive community.
"Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal" by Jeanie Franz Ransom
A fun and relatable book for younger elementary students, teaching the difference between minor problems and situations that should be reported. It encourages kids to seek help when bullying occurs.
"My Secret Bully" by Trudy Ludwig
This book focuses on relational bullying, where a girl learns to confront her "secret bully" and find ways to deal with the emotional harm caused by exclusion and meanness.
Remember: Be Kind, Be Brave, Be a Friend!
Let’s work together to stop bullying and make Asa Packer a safe and caring place for everyone. We are all responsible for creating a friendly and respectful school community. Thank you for doing your part!