Check out the following link for some things the community can do about gang violence, getting involved is the only way to make a difference!
http://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/jjbul9910-1/comm.html
Friday, April 16, 2010
Topic: Gang Violence Part II
Here are the listed warning signs that your loved one might be involved or at risk for involvement in a gang, or really, even just be in need of additional positive attention and support from others:
Behavioral signs:
- Attending school and/or work erratically
- Avoiding family activities
- Using different and unfamiliar words
- Associating with known gang members or known criminals
- Wanting to be alone all the time
- Staying out later than usual
- Drug or alcohol use
- Having money or buying things without a known source of income
- Mood Swings or unusual behavior patterns
Nonverbal communication signs:
- Highly stylized or strange writing
- Graffiti style writing on notebooks, books, or papers
- Using hand signals, and not on a bike
Physical signs:
- Changes in style of dressing
- Strange hair styles
- Presence of tattoos
- Sudden or over use of make-up
Topic: Gang Violence
Well, after last week I was thinking can the violence in children get any worse, yes I am learning now that it can. We are now focusing on gang violence in children.
Why would a child join a gang?
~Lack of social support.
~Low income.
~Nothing better to do.
~Media Influences.
Seriously, when you think about it, a gang offers you the chance to alleviate all of those things. Suddenly, you have a group of people that support you, help to take care of you, and give you something to do. Plus, your favorite movie is about gangs. All your missing pieces are here, but at what cost?
Here are the LAPD gang stats:
http://www.lapdonline.org/crime_maps_and_compstat/content_basic_view/24435
As one can see, there is a lot happening out there in L.A. But this is not just a California thing, gang issues are everywhere.
How can I find out more and avoid it for myself/my family/my loved ones?
Read here for more information:
http://www.lapdonline.org/get_informed/content_basic_view/1396
Why would a child join a gang?
~Lack of social support.
~Low income.
~Nothing better to do.
~Media Influences.
Seriously, when you think about it, a gang offers you the chance to alleviate all of those things. Suddenly, you have a group of people that support you, help to take care of you, and give you something to do. Plus, your favorite movie is about gangs. All your missing pieces are here, but at what cost?
Here are the LAPD gang stats:
http://www.lapdonline.org/crime_maps_and_compstat/content_basic_view/24435
As one can see, there is a lot happening out there in L.A. But this is not just a California thing, gang issues are everywhere.
How can I find out more and avoid it for myself/my family/my loved ones?
Read here for more information:
http://www.lapdonline.org/get_informed/content_basic_view/1396
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Pink Shirt Day
http://www.pinkshirtday.ca/
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wear a pink shirt to support your distaste for bullies.
I think this goes well in line with what I have been discussing recently.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wear a pink shirt to support your distaste for bullies.
I think this goes well in line with what I have been discussing recently.
(Just a goofy photo I made in photoshop in honor of this occasion)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Topic: Bullying Part III
Ahhh, you did not think I would forget what to do about the victims of bullying! Bullying causes PTSD and depression in many cases, lets not forget what damage is done to one's self esteem when they are bullied in any way.
What can you do?
If you know someone who is bullied:
~ Speak up! Your silence empowers the bullies to be more aggressive and feel as if they are untouchable.
~ Model positive actions to inspire others.
~ Use safe interventions such as contacting an authority that you feel comfortable talking to and trust.
~ Ignore the bully- sometimes they are just trying to upset you, don't let them.
~ Talk things out with the bully- calmly see what the bully wants and why they are doing this to you.
~ Report the bully- let an authority figure that you know and trust in on the problem.
~ Seek out the bullies parents- Have your parents discuss the issue with their parents.
Defend yourself:
~ Passive defense- walk away, don;t make eye contact, avoid run-ins.
~ Authoritative defense- pass on your responsibility of defense to an authority figure.
~ Physical defense- learn to keep yourself safe from physical abuse.
If your child/student is being bullied:
This site can teach you how to help your child/student to remain safe from bullying.
http://www.ihatebullies.net/prevent-bullying-%E2%80%93-how-parents-and-teachers-can-ward-off-bullying.html
This site also provides information to end this treatment.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bullying/MH00126
What can you do?
If you know someone who is bullied:
~ Speak up! Your silence empowers the bullies to be more aggressive and feel as if they are untouchable.
~ Model positive actions to inspire others.
~ Use safe interventions such as contacting an authority that you feel comfortable talking to and trust.
~ Always inform school personnel when you see cruel behaviors, it can save a life.
~Reach out with your own friendship in some way to those who are targets of bullying or isolation.
If you are being bullied:~Reach out with your own friendship in some way to those who are targets of bullying or isolation.
~ Ignore the bully- sometimes they are just trying to upset you, don't let them.
~ Talk things out with the bully- calmly see what the bully wants and why they are doing this to you.
~ Report the bully- let an authority figure that you know and trust in on the problem.
~ Seek out the bullies parents- Have your parents discuss the issue with their parents.
Defend yourself:
~ Passive defense- walk away, don;t make eye contact, avoid run-ins.
~ Authoritative defense- pass on your responsibility of defense to an authority figure.
~ Physical defense- learn to keep yourself safe from physical abuse.
If your child/student is being bullied:
This site can teach you how to help your child/student to remain safe from bullying.
http://www.ihatebullies.net/prevent-bullying-%E2%80%93-how-parents-and-teachers-can-ward-off-bullying.html
This site also provides information to end this treatment.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bullying/MH00126
Topic: Bullying Part II
So now we have discussed the sad effects of bullying, what can be done about bullies?
Well, as a parent here are some resources:
One of your best bets is having an empathetic and open relationship with your child. Recognizing their behaviors and what can indicate to you that they may have issues with this.
Here are some indicators:
http://www.education.com/reference/article/my-child-is-a-bully/
This article tells of what you can do if you learn that your child is bullying others.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/no_bullying.html
As an educator, here are some resources:
This information can be helpful to anyone but especially should be known and used by educators
http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/adults/teachers-corner.aspx
Training and workshops in bully prevention
http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/interven1.html
As a human being, here is another resource:
Letters to a Bullied Girl, a book by three teens. Two sisters heard of a bad bully experience another girl was having, and began a letter writing initiative to try to help the bullied girl.
http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/9780061544620-excerpt.asp
Well, as a parent here are some resources:
One of your best bets is having an empathetic and open relationship with your child. Recognizing their behaviors and what can indicate to you that they may have issues with this.
Here are some indicators:
http://www.education.com/reference/article/my-child-is-a-bully/
This article tells of what you can do if you learn that your child is bullying others.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/no_bullying.html
As an educator, here are some resources:
This information can be helpful to anyone but especially should be known and used by educators
http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/adults/teachers-corner.aspx
Training and workshops in bully prevention
http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/interven1.html
As a human being, here is another resource:
Letters to a Bullied Girl, a book by three teens. Two sisters heard of a bad bully experience another girl was having, and began a letter writing initiative to try to help the bullied girl.
http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/9780061544620-excerpt.asp
Topic: Bullying
Today I am learning about the prevalence and resolution for bullying in schools. Children are often bullied so badly that it causes trauma and depression in the children that are victimized. Some children "do something about it" which usually means taking lives. Sometimes the life they take is their own and sometimes it is of those who did things or did not stop others from doing things to them, and sometimes it is that of anyone. " Bullying statistics show that 77% of students are bullied mentally, verbally, & physically."
Please refer to these cases for more information:
Ryan Halligan
A sweet boy whose life was cut short after bully issues
http://www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org/
Jared High
Another amazing child whose life ended early as a result of bullying
http://www.jaredstory.com/
Please refer to these cases for more information:
Ryan Halligan
A sweet boy whose life was cut short after bully issues
http://www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org/
Jared High
Another amazing child whose life ended early as a result of bullying
http://www.jaredstory.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)