Bullying Can Be Prevented
With the recent release of Lee Hirsch’s troubling and enlightening documentary “Bully”, new awareness and concern is occurring in families, educators and school administrators. While the dynamics of bullying are centuries old, the causes, manifestations, and disheartening results are now being considered a serious social problem.
In 2003, Missouri PTA adopted a resolution addressing the problem of bullying within the public school system. The resolution called for school districts to have bullying policies in place that included awareness, prevention, and intervention programs. Since the adoption of this resolution, state and national legislators have heard our collective voice and begun the process of making changes that are desperately needed to keep our children safe. Initial anti-bullying laws were put into effect in part because of Missouri PTA’s advocacy efforts that took place after the resolution was adopted in 2003. Currently, HB 1049 changes the laws regarding bullying in schools and establishes specific components that a district must include in its anti-bullying policy. Missouri PTA supports this legislation.
There are many programs available that can be found on the internet that can be used both at home and in the classroom to promote safe and bully-free environments. Bitstripsforschools.com is a website with an entertaining computer activity that teaches and encourages children how to respond when bullying is taking place around them. Antibullyingprograms.org is another website with links to several effective anti-bullying programs.
PTA is dedicated to being “a strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child”. As a PTA member, find out what the bullying policies are in your school district. If needed, talk to your school board and administrators, and advocate for policies that will allow children a safe environment in which they can grow and learn. Volunteer at school activities, and observe interaction between children. Create programs at the school that recognize kindness and inclusion by groups and individuals. By being proactive and involved, you and PTA can make a difference in the experience of children in their schools.
PTA's Stand Against Child Abuse
Children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States; however, those reports can include multiple children. In 2009, approximately 3.3 million child abuse reports and allegations were made involving an estimated 6 million children. Child abuse can take many forms and includes neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse and medical neglect. The repercussions of all types of abuse are life altering and lifelong.
NSBA speaks out on bullying at Washington events
Last week, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention to bring more awareness to the harm of school bullying and ways to prevent it.
Distracted Driving Kills
In October 2011, the Missouri State PTA delegates approved the resolution “Distracted Driving”. The facts are clear. Distracted driving is a dangerous activity that kills many Missourians each year. These alarming statistics were published recently on distraction.gov, a government website dedicated to reducing distracted driving:
• In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in crashes involving driver distraction, and an estimated 448,000 were injured.
• 16% of fatal crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving.
• 20% of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving.
• Teen drivers are more likely than other age groups to be involved in a fatal crash where distraction is reported. In 2009, 16% of teen drivers involved in a fatal crash were reported to have been distracted.
• Distracted Driving is the number one killer of American teens.
Take a few minutes and watch the following video about a fatal distracted driving accident. Ask your teen driver, or even your child that is too young to drive, to watch the video with you. Promise your child that you will not use your cell phone while you are driving and ask them to do the same. A life isn’t as important as the urge to text or call. Be an example for your child. Make the promise and then follow through. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwAUkh_7pKA
Safe Kids - Preventing Accidental Injury
The Safe Kids website provides information on a variety of topics including fire and burn safety, pedestrian safety, poison safety, railroad safety, toy safety, and water safety. There are also specific areas to learn more about child passenger safety, children in and around cars, the Cub Scout safety patch program, and how to find car seat check up events. Of special interest is information about raising children - one stage at a time. Kids will enjoy the Danger Rangers activity interactive website.
In 2009 Safe Kids USA issued grants to continue the PHOTOVOICE program by offering grants to help identify and photograph dangerous pedestrian environments. More than 14 coalitions participated in the project.