Join Gayle Roberts, Library Director of Blair Public Library, as she takes a brief look at the increased visibility of bullying in children of all ages. You will learn how libraries can help our youth recognize the downfalls of bullying by providing informative materials and activities for all ages, preschool through high school, as well as for parents and adults in the community. NCompass Live - April 28, 2010

1. Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall…… BULLYING CONCERNS US ALL ! NCompass Live – April 28, 2010

2. The “W” words WHAT is bullying? WHO is bullied? WHEN does it happen? WHERE does it happen? WHY does it happen?

3. What is bullying? bul·ly –noun 1. a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people. –verb (used with object) 6. to act the bully toward; intimidate; domineer. –verb (used without object) 7. to be loudly arrogant and overbearing. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bullying

4. People of different gender People of different race People with handicaps People who exhibit shyness People who exhibit “different” behaviors Who is bullied?

5. When, WHERE, and why Depends on the age of the person During school hours When older and younger children are together Playgrounds, Malls, LIBRARIES, public places And why? Ignorance Power, Need for notice

6. MYTHS v. Facts http://www.bullying.org/external/documents/Bullying.org_Bullying_Myths-Facts%20Pamphlet.pdf Myth: “Bullying is a school problem, the teachers should handle it” Fact: Bullying is a broader social problem that often happens outside of schools, on the street, at shopping centers, the local pool, summer camp and in the adult workplace.”

7. Myths v. facts Myth: “Just stand up for yourself and hit them back” Fact: While there are some times when people can be forced to defend themselves, hitting back usually makes the bullying worse and increases the risk for serious physical harm.

8. Myths v. facts Myth: “If I tell someone, it will just make it worse.” Fact: Research shows that bullying will stop when adults in authority and peers get involved

9. http://www.youthvoiceproject.com/YVPMarch2010.pdf

10. WHY DO WE CARE? Libraries are a public place, and bullying does occur within our walls or on our grounds We stand for equal access to information for all ….. And all are welcome and safe within our walls Librarians do have “power” in a child’s life, akin to teachers We care because our hearts are in the right place. 

11. What can we do? Get involved in various projects, connecting the school with the library. During high traffic times for children, have an adult presence on the library floor. Provide materials Include tolerance in story times

12. For the younger set Best Behavior Series Hands are not for Hitting Feet are not for Kicking Teeth are not for Biting Tails are not for Pulling Words are not for Hurting Kids Talk About Bullying by Carrie Finn Recess Queen by Alexis O;Neill Berenstain Bears and the bully

15. Activities Hand print wreaths Caring Chain http://www.crayola.com/crafts/detail/caring-chain-to-stop-bullying--craft/ Coloring Book http://www.pacer.org/bullying/bpaw/coloringbook.pdf Therapy dogs / pet shelters

16. Juvenile Humor works best The pros and cons of Junie B. Jones Diary of a Wimpy Kid Let’s Work it Out series How to deal with fighting How to deal with bullies How to deal with insults How to deal with teasing

18. Teens True stories Lots of non-fiction Realistic situation fiction

20. Online ……….. Cyberbullying Mean Behind the Screen Teen Cyberbullying Investigated Social Networking – friend or foe? Filters? Do they work? (Chat Roulette)

21. 40 developmental assets Search Institute http://www.search-institute.org/developmental-assets/lists Building assets in kids helps prevent risk behaviors, including bullying

22. Don’t forget medline Plus…. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bullying.html Great information! (and thanks to Siobhan Champ-Blackwell for the info!)

23. In conclusion….. Provide educational materials Provide a safe place Be someone they can come to Be aware… and care

24. CONTACT INFO Gayle Roberts Blair Public Library 210 So. 17th St. Blair, NE 68008 402-426-3617