Words Can Hurt Creating and Environment of Respect

Words  “Sticks and stones may break my bones but, words can never hurt me.”  Is this true?  Have you ever been called hurtful names, threatened, teased, or been the subject of rumors or gossip?  How did you feel when it happened to you?

Defining Verbal Abuse  Verbal Abuse: Bullies often use words to embarrass, humiliate, or make others feel afraid of them. It’s really common because it’s quick, direct, and easy to do. It doesn’t matter if the person doing it says, “I was only joking.” If the words make someone feel uncomfortable, it the wrong thing to say.  Verbal bullying may be things such as:  Name-calling  Teasing  Insulting  Threats  Intimidating  Demeaning jokes  Rumors, gossip, slander

Three Words Activity  Fold a piece of paper in half. Take a look at the picture that appears on the screen. In the first column write down the first three words that come to mind about the person in the picture.  Now, in the second column, write whether the words you wrote were respectful or disrespectful.

What Can You Do About Hurtful Words?  Try to ignore it. Usually the other person wants to see you react.  Tell the person to stop in a respectful way. This lets the other person know you don’t like it.  Get help from an adult if it doesn’t stop. We can’t help you if we don’t know that it’s happening.  Talk to the teacher when it happens.  Write a note and place it in the “SHU BOX” in the counseling center window.  Go to the T.H. Bell web-site and click the Silence Hurts Us link in the Students tab. Fill out the form and submit it. Make sure you include your name so we can help you. All reports of bullying are kept confidential.

What If You’re the One Saying Disrespectful Things?  Stop and think!  “Would I want someone saying that to me?”  “How is that going to make others feel about me?”  “What might happen to me when I get called to the office?”  Take the time to think about what you are saying to others. If it’s disrespectful and rude, don’t say it.  By controlling your words, you are helping to make T.H. Bell a more respectful place to be.

Don’t Laugh At Me