Many resources are available to help girls who are bullying or being bullied. Here are some of the best books, Web sites, and some other resources for you and your daughter.
Bullying Web Sites
- bullying.org Founded by father and teacher Bill Belsey in response to school shootings in Littleton, Colorado, and Taber, Alberta, this is the leading site on the internet for bullying information. It has three goals: to help people understand that they are not alone, that being bullied is not the victim's fault, and that there are successful strategies for dealing with bullies.
- easingtheteasing.com The works of certified social worker and author Judy Freedman are featured on this site, which also gives access to all of her programs, information, and workshops.
- education.com This Web site includes a special edition devoted to bullying and cyber bullying. It includes numerous articles on bullying concerning both younger and older kids, the different types of bullying, and bullying in many different situations.
- stopbullyingnow.org This U.S. Department Health and Human Services site is designed to attract kids of all ages. Users can download anti-bullying podcasts, cartoons about bullying, and a Stop Bullying Now mobile ring tone.
- stopcyberbullying.org New technologies create new ways to bully. Get strategies for prevention, tips, and information about online bullying.
- nasponline.org Find information about “CyberSmart! Cyberbullying Awareness Curriculum,” a free program for educators. This program facilitates the prevention of cyber bullying and helps provide outreach to families and communities.
Books on Bullying
- Schools Where Everyone Belongs by Stan Davis This book is designed for educators and parents to help create a safe and inclusive environment at school.
- The Brand New Kid by Katie Couric This book for young kids was inspired by Couric’s childhood memories and by the Columbine shootings. Through this story about tolerance, Couric challenges parents to stop excusing mean-spirited behavior and instead teach children to be kind and tolerant.
- Queen Bees & Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends & Other Realities of Adolescence by Rosalind Wiseman A must-read for every parent of a teenage daughter. It will help you understand girls and friendships, popularity, cliques, self-esteem, and a variety of other topics.
- Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls by Rachel Simmons Read this book to find out more about social issues that girls deal with today such as exclusion, popularity, cliques, bullying, and jealousy.
Other Help with Bullying
- Friendship seminars These very effective seminars are becoming more popular in schools throughout the country. Check with your child’s school to see if they have considered a friendship seminar, or look online to find out how to bring one to your school.
- Friends Who Care This award-winning, disability-awareness curriculum is designed to help sensitize nondisabled students to their peers with disabilities. The program includes a teacher guide, video, and several posters. You may be able to obtain a copy from your local library, or contact The National Easter Seals Society, 70 East Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 726-6200.