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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

No Bullies Allowed!

Nobody likes to be bullied. Name-calling, pushing or hitting, or leaving out other kids, hurts. So does cyber-bullying, when bullies send mean text or online messages.

Forty-four states have passed laws that aim to stop bullying in schools. But it still happens often. Principals of nearly one out of four U.S. public schools report that bullying happens every day or every week.

October 4 through 10 is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week. Families and schools will work together to stop the hurtful behavior. "When we all work together, we can reduce bullying," says Sue Limber, an expert on bullying.

Many schools have anti-bullying programs all year long. The Olweus (ol-vey-us) Bullying Prevention Program is used by thousands of schools. Limber says it works because it "recognizes that everyone in the school has a role to play in stopping bullyingoespecially bystanders." Bystanders watch while others are bullied, and don't help (see "Bullying Is Not Cool").

Students Speak Up

When Erika Squires, 10, noticed kids teasing a boy who was new to her school in New Braunfels, Texas, she told her mother. Her mother reported it to the guidance counselor. The counselor met with students to remind them how to be welcoming to everyone.

Walter S. Boardman Elementary, in Oceanside, New York, involves students in creating a caring school environment. Sixth graders are chosen to serve as the school's Caring Majority Ambassadors. They visit classrooms to spread anti-bullying messages.

On September 29, Dana Gelb and other Caring Majority members from last year returned to Boardman to train this year's student leaders. "I remember and use the lessons I learned in first grade," Dana says.

Take the Caring Majority's pledge (see "A Promise to Care"). Boardman students hope the lessons will stay with you, too.

Next: Bullying Is Not Cool