Information for Students

Hero – Superchick

Bullying is the number 1 reason for teenage suicide
  

HERO : Moral excellence

Courage Nobility Strength

Heroes take on many forms. Many times we are not aware of how our lives impact other people, for good or bad. Sometimes just a kind word or smile can make a difference, in someone’s life more than you can imagine.

”Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”  ~Leo Buscaglia

Sometimes someone says something really small, and it just fits right into this empty place in your heart. ~From the television show My So-Called Life

“Be a Hero” Spread kindness one person at a time. Pay it forward and you will change the world. Perhaps you asked someone that was alone to join you or your group of friends. Perhaps you are an "unsung" hero. Tell us your story. Learn who unsung heroes are. We will pick a hero, publish your story, (no real names of course), send you gifts and donate a book to your school or public library in your honor.
Click here to find out more and get started

Bullying happens when someone keeps doing or saying things to hurt another person or to have power over them. The most important thing to remember is that it is never the fault of the person being bullied.

What You Can Do If You Are Being Bullied
You have every right to feel safe and secure in school and out. Most schools have rules and a policy against bullying and will take your complaint seriously. Many states have laws against bullying. Breaking the silence is a very important part in fighting back against bullying.

• Remain calm do not show you are upset
  (getting you upset is the bully’s goal)

• Look the person in the eye and tell him/her to stop it

• Don’t believe the rumors
  (If you know who is saying nasty things ask that person if he/she believes it. If the person says “NO” it’s over. If the person says “YES” tell him/her “You can believe it if you want to, but it’s not true.” Walk away and don’t respond again)
• Have a sense of humor
• Try to avoid the person who is doing the bullying.
• Do not look for revenge or you may get in trouble
• Keep a log write down dates, times and places the bullying occurs
• Tell an adult you trust and discuss what you would like to happen
• Remember it’s not your fault

If You See or Know someone who is bullied

• Stop it if you can do so without putting anyone in danger
  (Sometimes just yelling “Stop It” or “Cut it out” is all that is needed)
• Go get help, send for help or call for help if it does not stop
  (If you are afraid, go quietly and get help)
• Do something. If you do nothing, clap or stand around you are telling the person who is bullying you agree with the bad behavior 
• Be a friend to the victim/target
• Encourage the victim/target to tell an adult that can be trusted
• Offer to go with the target/victim to report the incident
• Encourage the target/victim not to retaliate
  (it is likely this behavior will make the situation worse or the wrong person will get in trouble) 
• Let the other person know it is not their fault
• Be a hero

Cyber bullying  is online social cruelty, using cell phones and the internet to humiliate, harass, embarrass or taunt someone with words or images.  It may include social-emotional threats, name calling, rumors or threats of violence. What should you do if this happens to you or someone you know?
Click here to find out more about cyber-bullying.

Technology, cell phone and computers can be enormous tools. It offers companionship and lets you feel “connected” but t it can also make you feel frightened and overly exposed. You really need to think before you post any pictures on social networks or text messages.

To view "Sticks and Stones" and attend a free workshop contact :
info@antibullyingprograms.com / (908) 272-0631

Chase Wilson Productions: Sticks and Stones
For more information contact:
Andrew W. Donofrio (Drew)
Detective Lieutenant - Computer Crimes Unit
Bergen County Prosecutor's Office
201-226-5521

Read stories below:  

Sexting’ Surprise: Teens Face Child Porn Charges
6 Pa. high school students busted after sharing nude photos via cell phones.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28679588/

What You Should Know About Cliques

People might think it's better to belong to a clique than to be excluded; many times people in cliques end up dealing with lots of pressures and rules. They start to worry about whether they'll continue to be “in” or whether they'll be dropped. After a while, they may begin to realize that true friends wouldn't be so bossy or demanding.

Cliques aren’t just for girls. Guys form cliques too- usually around a sport, computer game, type of clothing or music. They can be as mean as girls about excluding others from the group.

Be proactive. Speak to your teacher, guidance counselor or any adult you trust about starting a school safety committee or anti-bullying task force. Click here for information about products and services