Kids and adults who bully may not know it

Many kids will dread starting the new school year and that's because they'll be bullied. The consequences are often long lasting and many people grow up to continue the cycle. But teachers and parents have the power to control their environment and teach important life lessons.

As school faculty gear up for classes to begin, a hot topic at this summer conference is bullying. It's an aged old problem, not just for kids but for adults too.

Pat Brannon says, "We're always going to have bullying as long as there are people on this Earth. We're always going to have bullying, but we can help eliminate it by educating."

An overweight child, Brannon was tormented and never told anyone. "It leaves deep scares. I have overcome that but a lot of people don't," Brannon says.

Unforgettable memories, but rather than becoming angry she wrote the book Filthy Farley O'Charlie McBarley, and now does theatrical presentations at schools reaching kids on both sides of the issue.

She explains, "I had a sixth grade girl say, I have been doing this to people and I will never do it again." Brannon continues, "A lot of kids don't want to tattle on anyone because they don't know what the repercussions will be if they go tell a teacher. I didn't tell anybody, I should have, I know that now, but I didn't then."

Regina Erwin with Morrilton Intermediate School says, "I really feel like they got something out of her presentation."

Erwin has seen first hand how bullying affects kids, and says you can't always blame the home, but it's important for families and schools to change the child's behavior. "If we can prevent one child from being bullied it's all worth it," Erwin adds.

Cell phones and internet are also making it easier to bully, but if you pay attention to the early signs, it could stop the problem before harmful behavior becomes a life habit.

"It's never too late to change and a lot of people I think are not even aware they are bullies. We have to stop this bullying; it won't stop on its own," Brannon concludes.

The Arkansas Association of School Librarians summer conference ends on Monday.

Kids Should Know:
-Don't think of it as tattling. Tell an adult, parent, school staff if you are bullied, know someone being bullied or know someone who is doing the bullying.
-Children can feel like there is going to be retaliation for telling. Ask them to take a friend to speak with an adult.

Parents Should Know:
-Kids look to your behavior
-Talk with your child about bullying because they may call it joking or playing and not realize their behavior
-Take time to know who your child is friends with
-Never tell your child to fight back if they are bullied
-Never expect the bullying to stop, tell a school official. Even if it stops, the bully may still be hurting others