Reason #1 to be involved...

Being a parent of a fifth grader isn't always an easy task. This year, I am blessed not only to teach almost 50 fifth graders each day, but I also am the proud parent of one of them as well. In talking with many of my parents this year, I find they are experiencing the same struggles that I am as a parent. I want to be involved in my child's life, but not overly so. I feel it is very important to give my children room to learn responsibility as they grow, but I also need to know about their lives so I can step in when needed.

One of the big issues your fifth grader will face is bullying. Chances are if they haven't been impacted by it in some way before now, they will be soon. Bullying, according to Dan Olweus in his book Bullying at School:What We Know and What We Can Do, occurs when someone "is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself."

National and Local media across the country have been running stories lately of how different students respond to bullying. It is important to know that bullying involves more than the person who is being bullied and the person who is doing the bullying. In fact, the bullying circle details how other individuals are involved in bullying as well. Each person in the circle has a unique role to play. At any point, one of them can speak up to say something, but so many times they don't. We as parents need to help give our child the support they need to feel comfortable to speak up when they see someone being bullied.

It is important to understand bullying is a crime and is subject to criminal action under state and federal law.  State and local governments are working within these statutes to take action against those involved, especially when cyberbullying is involved. Just this past week, local authorities  in North Carolina took action against a group of teens that have been targeting others online.  As a parent, it is important to be involved in what your child is doing, especially online.  By being knowledgeable about your child's activities and friendships, including those online, you are in a position to step in and do something about it. If your child is part of the problem, don't be afraid to step in to stop bullying.

If you think your child is being bullied, it is important to know the signs to be looking for, even if they aren't telling you what is happening. Often, teens are afraid to speak up out of fear the bullying will get worse. Those who know what is happening are often afraid to speak up because they are afraid they will become a target themselves.  Make it a point to keep the lines of communication open with your child, and maintain open lines of communication with the other adults in their lives.  It will take all of us working together to put an end to bullying.





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