All over the news, schools, homes, and in the lives of children (and sometimes even adults) we hear of bullying. Bullying is something that as a children’s and middle school pastor, I have to deal with both sides of the issue: The bully and the victim.
Bullying is not an easy issue to talk about with children. According to stopbullying.gov, “about 49% of children grades 4-12 reported being bullied by other students at school at least once in the past month.”
Whether your child is doing the bullying, being bullied, or you just want to know a little more about how to help, here are some tips that may prevent bullying:
As the school year has kicked off, I am sure some of you have already been faced with this, but it is not something that you have to face alone. Bullying is something that will unfortunately always be a struggle, but it is not impossible to overcome. Feel free to reach out to our staff and we will be more than happy to help you, pray with you, and find resources for you as we face this issue together.
Mari Bednar
Lead Children’s and Middle School Pastor
Bullying is not an easy issue to talk about with children. According to stopbullying.gov, “about 49% of children grades 4-12 reported being bullied by other students at school at least once in the past month.”
Whether your child is doing the bullying, being bullied, or you just want to know a little more about how to help, here are some tips that may prevent bullying:
- Help kids understand what bullying is. Talk to them about the different types and how to stand up to this issue safely.
- Be sure to keep the lines of communication opened. Talk to the kids often about this subject. Be sure you know the child’s friends, ask about school, and listen intentionally when they share concerns.
- Encourage kids to do what they love. Be sure to find their hobbies and interests that can boost their confidence.
- Remember, you are their model. Be sure to model the behavior you want your children to have.
- Lastly, but one of the most important things, remind children that they are a child of God and that their identity is in Christ and nothing else. A couple of good passages are Galatians 3 and 1 Peter 2.
As the school year has kicked off, I am sure some of you have already been faced with this, but it is not something that you have to face alone. Bullying is something that will unfortunately always be a struggle, but it is not impossible to overcome. Feel free to reach out to our staff and we will be more than happy to help you, pray with you, and find resources for you as we face this issue together.
Mari Bednar
Lead Children’s and Middle School Pastor
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