Love this song Abbie...had to put it on FB...thank you!

When i get more time i'll tell you my sons story . He was bullied in jr. high. His senior year in HS he wrote a paper that he was chosen to read to his fellow classmates and teachers. It was about being bullied and how it effected him. If he doesn't mind I'll copy it for you so you can read it.

Memoirs of a Bullied Kid By Single Dad Laughing.

ah... that is so sad Doody.

Goofy - I hope that your son will allow you to share with us. Thanks!

Addy

Me too Goofy...anxious to read it.

And Doody, that is heartbreaking...

Warning Signs of Someone Being Bullied

1. Appears sad, depressed, anxious, moody, teary
2. Complains of unexplainded headaches, stomachaches, other ailments
3. Damaged or missing belongings
4. Unexplained bruises or injuries
5. Appears afraid of going to school, riding the bus, participating in after school functions, takes the "long way" to/from school.
6. Excuses to avoid school, declining grades

If Your Child Is Being Bullied

1. Take the situation seriously
2. Calmly encourage your child to talk about it
3. Involve school officials and/or police

If You Are Being Bullied

1. Report bullying, TELLING IS NOT TATTLING
2. Know you are not the problem, The bully is the problem
3. Minimize contact with the bully but don't hide

Please see these sites for complete lists:
http://drphil.com/articles/article/656 and http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/hhs_psa/pdfs/sbn_tip_7.pdf

PBS Kids -- It's My Life
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/friends/bullies/

I was JUST talking with some people about this on Facebook. Here's what I had to say about it:

"I agree. I honestly don't know very many people who have NOT been bullied at some point in some way.. even if it seems 'minor' compared to others. And THAT is really sad.

I was bullied and that really hurt me a lot.. I grew to hate myself way too young when I had no real reason to... and then to top that all off, I was abused for more than a year by a sibling.. physically abused.. and was not protected in my own home... that left a deep scar in my heart.. yet that is one topic that never gets talked about. I heard about it ONCE in my 24 years and that was on Oprah or Dr. Phil (can't remember which one). It happens daily and while bullying is awful anywhere and any time, home should be a safe place for a child. It breaks my heart that everyone is so silent about what goes on at home.. not just sibling abuse (not just typical fighting that siblings do--way beyond that), child abuse, sexual abuse, alcoholism, etc... it's all taboo and people don't talk about it.. which just enables people to continue to hurt others and allows the one(s) being hurt to continue to be hurt... people need to start speaking up for those without a voice--whatever the situation.

It is wrong any time... but I think what hurt most for me is that I had told what was going on, and it was ignored and allowed to continue... both what was happening at home and in school.... and that is very very wrong.

I don't understand why people -still- don't talk about these things. I know that years ago (when my parents and grandparents were young), anything 'bad' was just not talked about... but times have changed a lot and yet there are still certain things that are never/rarely spoken of... I hope that changes SOON because I don't want one more generation to have to go through horrible things alone..."

I so agree smae...our society does not talk about suicide, death, bullying...anything uncomfortable remains taboo...if it's upsetting..just move on.

(()smae))) - I know, I know.

And when you're a kid - there's nothing you can do about it. It becomes "normal" for you to be bullied. Nobody ever complains about being normal -
If it's "normal" for your sister to hit you can grow up believing

aggggggggggh