Lee Road is committed to preventing bullying and promoting a positive, safe, and productive school environment for our students to grow and thrive in. The following information can help parents understand what bullying is and take proactive steps to help prevent it.

What is bullying?

Bullying is when a person or group tries to hurt or control another person. There are lots of different kinds of bullying and they all hurt. Sometimes bullying means hitting, kicking, pushing, shoving, or making someone do something they don't want to do. Sometimes bullying is using mean words or threats. Bullying can even mean making someone feel unsafe or scared.

Why do people bully?

Bullying is a learned behavior. Bullies may also be bullied themselves or they were bullied at one time or another in their lives. People bully because it makes them feel superior to others. They might get power and strength from bullying others. People bully to get attention. They think that it makes them popular or that bullying may be a way to fit in.

What can you do if someone is bullying you?

At Lee Road we have a program called, Peer Mediation. The program is run by one of our teachers and has been in existence at Lee Road for many years. Fourth and fifth grade students are trained on how to be mediators. When a child finds him or herself in a conflict with anther student, they can both agree to go to peer mediation to try and resolve their issues. The program has proven to be very successful for our students.

When a child is being bullied, they should be encouraged to share their problem with a parent, teacher, friend, or another trusted adult. Bullying is not just a normal part of childhood and adults should do everything in their power to prevent it.

• Don't join in. Children should always be encouraged to not to be mean to other kids by calling them names or picking on them.
• Walk away.
• Do not fight the bully.
• Don't make the bully feel important by paying attention to them. When you ignore bullies, you take away their power.
• Treat others the way you want to be treated. Everyone has the right to be respected and the responsibility to respect others.