Hello everyone! For those of you in school, it's almost halfway until the end of first semester!
Today, I wanted to talk more about what you can do to stop bullies in their tracks. I found National Education Association (NEA) a couple days ago that talks specifically about what educators and teachers can do about bullying. Many schools are advocating for a bully-free school zone, but until teachers and administrators take action, that thought is just a thought.
Looking back at my growing up years in school, I wish the adults in my life took a stand against the bullies that kept attacking me. Some thought I would learn to overcome adversity through all this, but even though I can sense that what I went through made me stronger and stand up for myself, having someone around who cared and wanted to help would have made such a difference. This is why whenever I see someone else being bullied, I make my presence known. NEA's president Lily Eskelsen Garcia explains, "I hope to never hear an educator or parent or a Sunday School teacher say to a frightened bullied child, 'Just ignore it.' School that are seeing a decrease in bullying are no ignoring it. They are acting."
I'll admit, I'm a no nonsense kind of girl and I take bullying seriously because I know what it's like. Whether or not you know what it's like to be bullied, take a stand and let that kid know he/she is not alone. Help them build confidence. Even if no one else is standing by their side, it can start with you.
Ignoring the issue is not the solution. Facing it head on and being a verbal/active advocate makes the difference. You don't have to be the hero in the moment, even if you just acknowledge what happened afterwards you will be doing the right thing. You can send a simple text message, or just let the person know that you saw what happened and you don't think it is okay.
Check out the website I linked above. Make a difference and let it start with YOU!
--Ruth Jackson
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
What Can You do about Bullying?
Hello Everyone!
I don't know about you, but I had a crazy busy week. Everyday was filled with work with only a bit of "me" time. One positive I can spin out of my hectic life is that I came across some books dealing with overcoming bullies. Some are geared for Elementary kids and others I found are for middle schoolers and above. The book I want to talk about today is more around a second grade reading level, but has interesting and I believe, important points made by the author.
The book is called, Llama Llama and the Bully Goat. What I want to highlight is that Llama told someone about the issue he was having with Bully Goat and his life changed for the better. Sometimes we think that telling someone will only make things worse. I agree, that there are cases where if you trust the wrong person, your plan backfires. This is why trust is so vitally important. With bullying on the rise, more and more adults/supervisors and teachers are being made aware of what to watch for and how to help you and me.
I'll never forget the time when a police officer came to my aid when a group of students were causing trouble for me. This was at a horse camp when I was around the age of 10. For whatever reason, these kids decided I was to be their target for the summer. Once I made it known that I was not happy at all with how they were treating me, the police officer stepped in. From that day forward he looked out of me and those kids didn't bother me one more time. Instead, I was able to forge to new friendship and had a great rest of Horse Camp. Honestly, if I hadn't talked with that police officer, I would have been miserable.
So I encourage you to either read Llama Llama and the Bully Goat or actively find someone you can trust. Whether or not you're in a bad situation now, try to pick out someone you'd go to for help so when the time comes, you know exactly who to go to.
I hope you all have a fantastic week!
--Ruth Jackson
I don't know about you, but I had a crazy busy week. Everyday was filled with work with only a bit of "me" time. One positive I can spin out of my hectic life is that I came across some books dealing with overcoming bullies. Some are geared for Elementary kids and others I found are for middle schoolers and above. The book I want to talk about today is more around a second grade reading level, but has interesting and I believe, important points made by the author.
The book is called, Llama Llama and the Bully Goat. What I want to highlight is that Llama told someone about the issue he was having with Bully Goat and his life changed for the better. Sometimes we think that telling someone will only make things worse. I agree, that there are cases where if you trust the wrong person, your plan backfires. This is why trust is so vitally important. With bullying on the rise, more and more adults/supervisors and teachers are being made aware of what to watch for and how to help you and me.
I'll never forget the time when a police officer came to my aid when a group of students were causing trouble for me. This was at a horse camp when I was around the age of 10. For whatever reason, these kids decided I was to be their target for the summer. Once I made it known that I was not happy at all with how they were treating me, the police officer stepped in. From that day forward he looked out of me and those kids didn't bother me one more time. Instead, I was able to forge to new friendship and had a great rest of Horse Camp. Honestly, if I hadn't talked with that police officer, I would have been miserable.
So I encourage you to either read Llama Llama and the Bully Goat or actively find someone you can trust. Whether or not you're in a bad situation now, try to pick out someone you'd go to for help so when the time comes, you know exactly who to go to.
I hope you all have a fantastic week!
--Ruth Jackson
Monday, September 22, 2014
Choices
Hello everyone! Gorgeous morning and I just saw some yellow leaves!! Super stoked for Fall, I even reorganized my closet and sadly put my shorts away. Looking back it was a busy working summer, but I did manage to have some fun in between. Never did get to the beach though....NEXT TIME!
Today, I wanted to talk about a site I came across a couple weeks ago here. When perusing the website, I felt honored to read people's stories about bullying; both sad and courageous ones. Even though middle school was a long time ago, I still remember the words thrown at me and the looks on their faces. There are so many stories on here and love the fact that there is such a place for kids to share and feel welcomed versus the atmosphere school gives.
Personally, I believe one of the biggest hurdles when being bullied is not feeling alone. This site helps kids not only see that other people are going through the same thing, but hopefully gives them courage to stand up. If it weren't for my friends growing up, I honestly have no idea where I'd be.
I choose respect, love, kindness, generosity, inclusion and peace! What do you choose?
--Ruth Jackson
Today, I wanted to talk about a site I came across a couple weeks ago here. When perusing the website, I felt honored to read people's stories about bullying; both sad and courageous ones. Even though middle school was a long time ago, I still remember the words thrown at me and the looks on their faces. There are so many stories on here and love the fact that there is such a place for kids to share and feel welcomed versus the atmosphere school gives.
Personally, I believe one of the biggest hurdles when being bullied is not feeling alone. This site helps kids not only see that other people are going through the same thing, but hopefully gives them courage to stand up. If it weren't for my friends growing up, I honestly have no idea where I'd be.
I choose respect, love, kindness, generosity, inclusion and peace! What do you choose?
--Ruth Jackson
Friday, September 12, 2014
Understanding the Bully
Beautiful day outside yet, the weather can't seem to make up its mind between Summer and Fall. I actually feel that same way. On one hand, I don't want Summer to end, but....I do love Fall and its pretty colors and I love breaking out my sweatpants and cute sweaters. Each season has its benefits and beauty.
Today, I'd like to talk about the media/entertainment and its role in discussing bullying. Many movies have scenes where bullying takes place like the one I talked about earlier, "Bridge to Terabithia." According to the U.S. Department of Natural Health and Human Services, between 1 and 4 and 1 and 3 students say they have been bullied at school. There have been numerous studies done that show bullying effecting youth as they grow into adulthood.
One of the reasons why I wanted to join Nobul is because I feel very strongly about bullying not only since I've often been the target, but because I can still feel the effects. I love being able to speak out about bullying and have a chance to change people's thinking. Writing about it is one way to spread awareness as are speeches, advertisements, movies etc. When you feel strongly about something, I suggest you take action in whatever medium you feel comfortable using. Writing is my passion so I use it to talk about topics that mean something to me.
Many journalists, producers and the like have spoken against bullying which is definitely a good thing, though we must be careful not to become hateful. We want to spread inclusion not hate, especially not hate against the "bully" himself. In many instances a person who is bullying another person is struggling in other areas of his or her life and it is important to show compassion to such individuals. We don't want to criminalize the bully, instead we want to teach the bully and the bullied how to self-regulate behavior and provide them with tools to manage difficult and stressful situations.
Goldie Hawn's foundation, MindUP, is a 12 step program that teaches children mindfulness to help improve perspective taking, empathy and kindness as well as foster complex problem solving skills. This program embodies Nobul's mission and goals in creating a safe environment for all children.
No one should have to endure bullying. I believe the first step to snapback against bullying is to become aware of how great the problem is and to learn how we can help manage such situations. To see bullying statistics posted by the U.S. Government, here is the link.
--Ruth Jackson
Today, I'd like to talk about the media/entertainment and its role in discussing bullying. Many movies have scenes where bullying takes place like the one I talked about earlier, "Bridge to Terabithia." According to the U.S. Department of Natural Health and Human Services, between 1 and 4 and 1 and 3 students say they have been bullied at school. There have been numerous studies done that show bullying effecting youth as they grow into adulthood.
One of the reasons why I wanted to join Nobul is because I feel very strongly about bullying not only since I've often been the target, but because I can still feel the effects. I love being able to speak out about bullying and have a chance to change people's thinking. Writing about it is one way to spread awareness as are speeches, advertisements, movies etc. When you feel strongly about something, I suggest you take action in whatever medium you feel comfortable using. Writing is my passion so I use it to talk about topics that mean something to me.
Many journalists, producers and the like have spoken against bullying which is definitely a good thing, though we must be careful not to become hateful. We want to spread inclusion not hate, especially not hate against the "bully" himself. In many instances a person who is bullying another person is struggling in other areas of his or her life and it is important to show compassion to such individuals. We don't want to criminalize the bully, instead we want to teach the bully and the bullied how to self-regulate behavior and provide them with tools to manage difficult and stressful situations.
Goldie Hawn's foundation, MindUP, is a 12 step program that teaches children mindfulness to help improve perspective taking, empathy and kindness as well as foster complex problem solving skills. This program embodies Nobul's mission and goals in creating a safe environment for all children.
No one should have to endure bullying. I believe the first step to snapback against bullying is to become aware of how great the problem is and to learn how we can help manage such situations. To see bullying statistics posted by the U.S. Government, here is the link.
--Ruth Jackson
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Look at the Other Side
Having a good day so far? As the new intern for Nobul Apparel, I wanted to introduce myself and give you something to think about regarding the topic of bullying.
For starters, my name is Ruth Jackson and I hail from the town of Windsor, CT where I was born and raised. My parents valued both of their children's vast interests and individualities. Growing up, I wanted to be a nurse, then a veterinarian, a librarian, an airline pilot and now, an author. My disability hindered many career paths and I found myself thinking, "I can't." In school, people thought I was stupid and sometimes contagious. All I wanted, still do, is a friend who cares and wants to get to know me. I hope this video will inspire you to reach out to those who are different from you.
Being different isn't something to be ashamed of. Instead, you should explore your personal uniqueness and meet others who are not quite like you. You never know what you might find out. Whether the person has a disability or is from another country, you should ask. Broaden your horizons! I invite you to watch this short video about life as a unique person in this world.
On a personal note, people with disabilities very often have the most amazing ways of viewing life. Having a disability is hard, I know. Most of my life was spent trying to figure out how I fit in this world. It's difficult being different and some people don't realize how difficult. I agree with both Alex and Skye, asking is the best way to get to know someone. I too, rather have someone ask about my difference rather than gossip or bully me about it.
I thoroughly love meeting new people for the purpose of hearing their stories. A guy I met a few years ago, I will name him Charlie, was from Botswana. He opened my eyes to how some people live. The continent of Africa is a strange place to me, I've never been there, only seen pictures from the news or history books. The media often only tells one side of a story so hearing a person's first hand account is most likely more accurate. He grew up poor with seven brothers and sisters. His parents never went to college and he was the first to go. Hearing his stories sometimes made me cry. What I have grown up with in America, he never had a taste of until coming to Washington DC for college. I had never met someone like him and I look forward to meeting new people with awesome stories to tell!
So next time you meet someone and you find out they are from a tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean you've never heard of or they have dyslexia, just ask them about it! It's amazing what you can find out!
-Ruth Jackson
For starters, my name is Ruth Jackson and I hail from the town of Windsor, CT where I was born and raised. My parents valued both of their children's vast interests and individualities. Growing up, I wanted to be a nurse, then a veterinarian, a librarian, an airline pilot and now, an author. My disability hindered many career paths and I found myself thinking, "I can't." In school, people thought I was stupid and sometimes contagious. All I wanted, still do, is a friend who cares and wants to get to know me. I hope this video will inspire you to reach out to those who are different from you.
Being different isn't something to be ashamed of. Instead, you should explore your personal uniqueness and meet others who are not quite like you. You never know what you might find out. Whether the person has a disability or is from another country, you should ask. Broaden your horizons! I invite you to watch this short video about life as a unique person in this world.
On a personal note, people with disabilities very often have the most amazing ways of viewing life. Having a disability is hard, I know. Most of my life was spent trying to figure out how I fit in this world. It's difficult being different and some people don't realize how difficult. I agree with both Alex and Skye, asking is the best way to get to know someone. I too, rather have someone ask about my difference rather than gossip or bully me about it.
I thoroughly love meeting new people for the purpose of hearing their stories. A guy I met a few years ago, I will name him Charlie, was from Botswana. He opened my eyes to how some people live. The continent of Africa is a strange place to me, I've never been there, only seen pictures from the news or history books. The media often only tells one side of a story so hearing a person's first hand account is most likely more accurate. He grew up poor with seven brothers and sisters. His parents never went to college and he was the first to go. Hearing his stories sometimes made me cry. What I have grown up with in America, he never had a taste of until coming to Washington DC for college. I had never met someone like him and I look forward to meeting new people with awesome stories to tell!
So next time you meet someone and you find out they are from a tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean you've never heard of or they have dyslexia, just ask them about it! It's amazing what you can find out!
-Ruth Jackson
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