Schools

Parent University to Deal With Bullying

Parent University will discuss of internet bullying, harassment, peer pressure peer conflict, hate speech and suicide.

Drugs, alcohol, growing up and bullying, are all topics that usually begin at home. But how to talk to kids about these issues is sometimes easier said than done

On March 9, the East Brunswick School Public Schools Student Services Department will present “Parent University,” during which the dangers of internet bullying, harassment, peer pressure peer conflict, hate speech and suicide will be discussed.

The program will begin with a video presentation titled “Sticks and Stones” and will end following a discussion with student assistance specialists and school counselors.

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“It’s about talking to the child, really talking to them about it,” said Dr. Mary-Anne Love, supervisor of student services. “If it’s something that’s happening and effecting the in school, or if they are afraid to come because of something that’s going on, (parents) should notify the counselor at school and administrator.

Dr. Love said a district-wide grade specific anti-bullying program is designed to create an anti-bullying atmosphere. The program includes teaching students good social skills, empathy and ways to control their emotions.

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“One of the issues with bullying is that the bully doesn’t have empathy, and we want to teach kids good social skills, so teaching them empathy and emotion control, helps deal with the main problem,” said Dr. Love.

The district also encourages children to speak with adults when they have a problem, and that includes teachers, administrators and, of course parents.

“They learn how to, hopefully, ask them to stop, to know when to tell an adult,” said Dr. Love.

Parent University will be held at 7 p.m. at Lawrence Brook School. To register, visit www.ebnet.org through March 7.


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