Talk to You Kids about National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and many organizations have provided some information to help parents and educators teach their children how best to handle these types of situations. National Bullying Prevention Month is a campaign in the United States founded in 2006 by PACER’s National Center for Bullying Prevention.The campaign unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. I think most of us either experienced or saw a classmate be bullied while in grade school. But when we were children we didn’t have to worry about Internet or cyber bullying that our kids face today.

Bullying can be verbal, physical, or via the Internet. It can severely affect the victim’s self-image, social interactions, and school performance―often leading to insecurity, lack of self-esteem, and depression in adulthood. School dropout rates and absences among victims of bullying are much higher than among other students. Studies have shown that children who have been identified as a bully by age eight are six times more likely to have a criminal conviction by age 24. Children who are bullies may continue to be bullies as adults, and are more prone to becoming child and spouse abusers. (Source: NCTSN.org). The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has provided some great tips on how to speak to your child and provide them with tools and resources to handle this difficult situation.

NETFLIX is showcasing movies that deal with bullying:

Recently I was asked to be a part of the new blogger Netflix stream team. Since we are big fans of Netflix and stream their movies and shows pretty much every day I was more than happy to work with this innovative company. One of the benefits for my readers is that they will be providing me with movie and show suggestions each month based on what is happening around us. For example, for National Bullying Prevention month they have provided us with a list of movies and shows they are showcasing that help encourage this conversation with kids of all ages. Parents of teens and tweens can leverage Netflix titles that address bullying head-on, while those with younger children can demonstrate the importance of standing up for others using superheroes to show there is a hero in every one of us.

They are recommending these programs for older children:
1. Bully
2.The War
3.Billy Elliott
4.The Fat Boy Chronicles
5.Cyber Bully

And these shows for younger kids:
1. Hercules
2.Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
3.Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
4.Spy Kids: All the Time in the World
5.Justice League Unlimited
6.Ben 10: Alien Force

About Netflix:

One of the things I really like about Netflix is their section geared just for kids. And they make recommendations based on what shows you have watched in the past. Lately my daughter is really into Johnny Test so they recommended some shows for her based on the fact that she likes Johnny Test.

What is streaming? Movies and TV shows are instantly streamed (not downloaded) via a Netflix-ready device. On the go or snuggled together in the family room, families can watch what they want, anytime, anywhere with Netflix.

Where can I watch Netflix? You can get instant access to Netflix on hundreds of devices, including TVs, tablets, mobile devices, game consoles and computers.

How do I find TV shows and movies for my kids? With Netflix, you have the power to choose what your kids are watching. There’s even a dedicated section for kids where the only titles you’ll have access to are pre-screened and appropriate for kids aged 2-12. Netflix works with Common Sense Media to provide ratings, reviews and information so parents can easily make choices for their children.

Who is watching on Netflix? Just a few months ago, Netflix unveiled a new feature that makes it easier for everyone in a household to enjoy Netflix. Members can create individual profiles within a single Netflix account, allowing everyone to have their own personalized suggestions based on what they watch and rate.

Create some crafts together that will help open up the conversation:

Kelly Ladd Sanchez, former lifestyle editor of Parenting Magazine, teamed up with Netflix for National Bullying Prevention month and created some craft ideas that you can do with your children and that can help extend the bullying conversation. To read how to make these fun pillows and totes go to klscrafts.com.

And she created these superhero photo magnets to show kids that there is a superhero in each of us! To find out how to make these silly superhero magnets go to her website at klscrafts.com.

We plan to watch some of these shows that Netflix is streaming this month. I plan to talk to my daughter about bullying and talk to her about what she should do if either she or a classmate is being bullied. Bully expert, Michele Borba says that if children who are nearby intervene and say something to the aggressor, that it can cut the bullying more than half the time and within 10 seconds. To read more about the how to handle this situation and strategies she recommends go to Michele Borba.com.

Disclosure: We are part of the Netflix blogger Stream Team and have been provided with product and a subscription to Netflix but this has not affected our opinion in any way.

Image courtesy of https://www.rockvillecentremma.com/keeping-long-beach-kids-safe-bullying/