Bully Proof Your Kids

Tip #2, Demystify Tattling

There is a big difference between tattling and telling. This is an important distinction to be made, and one that many principals request I cover during my presentations. The “B” word is thrown around a lot these days, but not all conflict “Bullying”. However, many adults, let alone children understand how to engage in positive conflict resolution. Thus, conflicts can escalate into bullying or perceived bullying.

I think the bigger issue we’re facing is that of the bystander. When bullying behaviors go unchecked, because no one wants to step up and speak out. The fear of being labeled a tattletale or becoming the target of bullying themselves keeps good kids quiet.

Informing a teacher or parent if someone is intentionally hurting him/her or another student, is not tattling. This is the behavior of an upstander. I’ll often use the example of Laura Secord, known to most children more for her great chocolate then her heroism during the war of 1812, but still a shining example of the importance of speaking up.

In addition to students understanding the difference between tattling and telling, and being given and role modeled healthy conflict resolution, the other important piece is fostering a team mentality at your school. Our motto is summed up in our programs name, School Heroes Unite. We aim to not only unleash student’s inner heroes, but to unite as a team, and have each other’s back.