Parenting Pointers: Anti-Bullying Tips from Office Depot

The Office Depot Foundation, Brooks Gibbs, and One Direction are teaming up to launch 1D+OD Together Against Bullying. With school assemblies around the nation, they hope to reduce the effects of bullying on kids everywhere. They're also sharing anti-bullying tips.
For kids:

• Physical Bullying - If you feel threatened, keep detailed notes of the event and alert the authorities immediately.
• Verbal Bullying - If you refuse to react emotionally and remain unfazed by the bully's words, the bullying will stop. 
• Cyber Bullying - A brief and kind response will make the bully look and feel foolish, ending the online bullying. 
• Social Exclusion - Enjoy hanging out with a few good friends and don't expect to be accepted by everyone. 
• Adult Bullies - With the help of a caring adult, confront the adult bully in an attitude of respect. Avoid arguing. 

For Parents:

• If the bullying is physical - You must rescue your child from physical threats of violence that would cause objective harm to his or her body or property. Keep detailed notes of the event and alert the authorities immediately. 
• If the bullying is verbal - You must teach your child to not get upset. If children have an emotional reaction to the bully (showing anger or tears), the verbal bullying will continue. If they don’t get upset, the verbal bullying will quickly stop. 
• If the bullying is online - You must teach your child how to respond using the Golden Rule. (Treat everyone like friends, even your enemies). A brief and kind response will make the bully look and feel foolish, and the online bullying will quickly stop. 
• If the bullying involves social exclusion - You must help children to understand that not everyone will want to be their friend. When they can enjoy a few loyal friends and refuse to seek approval from everyone else, their life will become much happier. 
• If the bullying is from an adult - You must assist your child in confronting the adult in an attitude of respect and with a desire for reconciliation. Blaming or attacking the adult will only escalate hostilities and make things worse for your child. Respectful confrontation can quickly bring an end to the problem.

Visit the site to learn more about the program and how your school can sign up.