Protect Your Child from Bullying

From cyberbullying to "mean girls" to school shootings, bullying is a complex and frightening problem confronting parents and children of all ages. This invaluable guide—written by international bullying expert Dr. Allan L. Beane—explains the many ways that bullying can present itself, the harm it can do to your child if ignored, and most importantly, what you can do to protect your child. The strategies in this book, which are based on solid research and practice in education, sociology, and psychology, and inspired by the author's personal experience of tragedy, are being used successfully in classrooms around the country as part of the author's Bully Free Program.

Protect Your Child from Bullying will show you how to:

• Read the tell-tale warning signs that your child is being victimized
• Understand the characteristics that make a child an easy target
• Tell the difference between normal conflict and bullying
• Take action when your child is the target of bullying
• Help prevent cyberbullying
• Give your child a solid foundation for dealing with situations that involve bullying
• Show your child how to take action as an empowered bystander when others are being mistreated
• Help your child develop a strong sense of acceptance and belonging

This is a must-have resource for all parents who want to create a safe and healthy environment for their children.

Preface vii

Acknowledgments ix

About the Author xi

Introduction xiii

1. The Nature of Bullying 1

2. Warning Signs 17

3. Possible Causes of Bullying 23

4. Giving Your Child a Good Start 41

5. Promoting Your Child’s Acceptance 73

6. Helping Your Bullied Child 81

7. Preventing Cyberbullying 121

8. Neighborhood Bullying 137

9. Supportive Tips for Siblings 149

10. When Your Child Bullies Others 153

11. When Your Child Is a Bystander 173

12. Why Some Victims Retaliate, Self-Harm, or Commit Suicide 179

13. Working with Your Child’s School 199

Conclusion 205

Appendix A: Child Review Questions 207

Appendix B: Mental Health Resources 209

Notes 211

Bibliography 217

Index 225

ALLAN L. BEANE, Ph.D., a former classroom teacher, is an internationally recognized expert, speaker, and consultant on the subject of bullying with more than 30 years of experience in education. He is also the author of several anti-bullying books and resources, including the bestselling The Bully Free Classroom. For more information, go to www.bullyfree.com.

Protect Your Child from Bullying

From cyberbullying to "mean girls" to school shootings, bullying is a complex and frightening problem confronting parents and children of all ages. This invaluable guide—written by international bullying expert Dr. Allan L. Beane—explains the many ways that bullying can present itself, the harm it can do to your child if ignored, and most importantly, what you can do to protect your child. The strategies in this book, which are based on solid research and practice in education, sociology, and psychology, and inspired by the author's personal experience of tragedy, are being used successfully in classrooms around the country as part of the author's Bully Free Program.

Protect Your Child from Bullying will show you how to:

• Read the tell-tale warning signs that your child is being victimized
• Understand the characteristics that make a child an easy target
• Tell the difference between normal conflict and bullying
• Take action when your child is the target of bullying
• Help prevent cyberbullying
• Give your child a solid foundation for dealing with situations that involve bullying
• Show your child how to take action as an empowered bystander when others are being mistreated
• Help your child develop a strong sense of acceptance and belonging

This is a must-have resource for all parents who want to create a safe and healthy environment for their children.