School Bullying (Part 3 of 5)

Bullying Statistics: Bullying generally begins in the elementary grades, peaks in the sixth through eighth grades, and persists into high school. This survey, the first nationwide research on the problem in this country, questioned 15,686 public and private school students, grades 6 through 10, on their experiences with bullying. 17 percent of the respondents had […]

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School Bullying (Part 2 of 5)

Bullying: Why are we concerned? Research indicates that in addition to the negative effects suffered by the direct target bullies, witnesses to bullying develop a loss of their sense of security, which reduces learning. Studies also reveal that students who consciously avoid harm at school are expending energy that could otherwise be devoted to learning. […]

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School Bullying (Part 1 of 5)

The Definition of Bullying: A desire to hurt + a hurtful action + a power imbalance + repetition (typically) + an unjust use of power + evident enjoyment by the aggressor + a sense of being oppressed on the part of the target. Bullying among youths may take place in a variety of hostile acts […]

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Adolescents in middle school (How to discuss sex)

Discuss definitions of sexual behaviors, puberty, physical changes,  oral sex. •Help your child to be responsible so they can make a decision. •Help them understand what their feelings about sex are. •Are they ready for sex and how do they know what that means or feels like? •Help them make up their own mind about […]

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Adolescents in middle school (How to discuss drugs and alcohol)

Encourage choice •Allow your child plenty of opportunity to become a confident decision-maker. An 8-year-old is capable of deciding if she wants to invite lots of friends to her birthday party or just a close pal or two. A 12-year-old can choose whether she wants to go out for chorus or join the school band. […]

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Adolescents in middle school (Drugs and alcohol statistics)

Experimentation is a often a part of a middle schooler’s life in today’s society. Let’s take a look at 2007 drug and alcohol statistics from Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties: –Children start drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes earlier than they use other substances. –Some students report use as early as the fifth grade (1.6% […]

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Adolescents in middle school (Signs and symptoms of teen depression)

Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. The natural transition from child to adult can also bring parental conflict as teens start to assert their independence.  With all this drama, it isn’t always easy to differentiate between depression and normal […]

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