Just as we come in all shapes and sizes, bullying has many faces and often hides under the guise of teasing. Whether kids are pushed, shoved, taunted or excluded, called names, threatened, whispered about or cyber bullied, their pain is enormous and the effects can last a lifetime – for the victim and the bully.
Subscribing to the old saw of a picture being worth a thousand words, Champions Against Bullying brings these comic strips to you. We hope that a light will go on and as you read through them and realize how much power you have to make a difference. You may even recognize yourself in one of the scenes, either as the bully, victim or bystander. You will know what to do, what not to do, how it feels, and how to help stop blending the fantasy of TV and media with reality.
Violence is not a great way to solve problems and bring about peace.

Bystanders are affected by the bullying and have the power to help. Ignoring the situation could aggravate it. Telling an adult is not getting someone into trouble. Reporting an unsafe act or an unsafe condition is helping someone get out of trouble. Whether you are witnessing bullying or being bullied, don’t keep it a secret.

Find out all about the mean, cowardly and deliberate act known as cyber bullying, by clicking on the link below and scrolling to page 17. http://www.teachmag.com/teach_archives/06/Teach_nd_06.pdf

Contact alex.penn@championsagainstbullying.com or leigh@championsagainstbullying.com to order your copy and check out all the comic strips in “The No-Nonsense Guide To Kids’ Bullying Solutions.”

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Building Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. Check the following points to see how your self-image rates.

1. I am not influenced by what others say or do.
2. I am able to say “no,” and stand my ground.
3. I do not always think I am right.
4. I don’t always need approval from others.
5. I know how to take responsibility.
6. I do not rely on others to make my life better.
7. I know how to be a friend to others.
8. I am too unforgiving and judgmental on myself.
9. I am confident to raise my hand in class.
10. I know the only question that isn’t smart, is the one that was never asked.

We all have low times and reminding ourselves of all the things we’re good at is a great way to take care of ourselves. Forgive yourself for the time you missed the basket or didn’t get the grade you thought you deserved, and know that you can get another chance. Go talk to someone who loves you and reinforces how amazing you really are.