Every year, children start back to school with their new shoes and their Dora the Explorer or Spiderman backpacks full of all kinds of tools for school. However, one of the most important and often overlooked tools that parents sometimes neglect to send with their child is the information that home rules are different then school rules. A positive first impression between the student and teacher will help both to set the tone for the remainder of the school year.
Students with siblings are sometimes prone to pushing, shoving, and even name-calling. It is important to remind one’s child that it is never okay to touch someone else. Not only is it important to remind them of this fact, it is also critical to explain why it is important. With the ever-changing laws, over 43 states now have anti bullying laws that dictate the actions required of school personnel. These laws ensure that the police can and often do bring charges against the student, despite their age, grade, race, or gender. Children must understand that the number one rule at school is to “keep your hands to yourself!”
Name-calling is also a form of bullying. Neighborhood children who play together may be prone to calling each other names, which usually occurs with free reign because generally there is minimal adult supervision in the front yard of a neighborhood. However, in the school setting with a higher level of adult supervision, the rules allow no type of harassment, including name-calling, which is extremely hurtful to a child. When parents remind their children that words hurt, as well as reminding them that all people are different in some way, the parent then reinforces the social skills required for their child to be successful in school and in life.
Parents must take the time to understand the anti bullying laws and explain them to their child. Even a primary age student can understand that it is important to keep their hands to themselves, and that mean or nasty words can and do hurt. Unfortunately, many parents neglect to reinforce this important social skill. When gathering the tools that a child needs to start school this year, parents should also take the time to teach their child the importance of individuality. All children should be safe at school from all forms of bullying, regardless of whether it is verbal or physical.
Rebecca Fortner earned her Master’s in Special Education from the University of Louisville, KY, she is a Behavior Consultant, Special Education Teacher, and mother of four.