Building Assets with Youth Amidst Reports of Cyber Bullying
By Mary Ann Krems
Tragically, the news has reported the sad story of a young teen who was bullied in person and on Facebook “relentlessly for months” and then chose to end her life. This brings to mind that bullying is something that has been around for years but is moving to new depths.
As Asset builders, using the SEARCH model of 40 qualities youth need in their lives to become mature responsible adults, we have an opportunity to share with student and parents the following assets relating to the Six Boundaries and Expectations Assets.
These include Assets #11 Family Boundaries, #12 School Boundaries, #13 Neighborhood Boundaries, #14 Adult role models, #15 Positive peer influence, and #16 High expectations.
Children and youth from birth to age 18 need to have these assets and a significant adult in their lives to help them. The local news story on the young woman in Florida can serve as a warning to us all about the perils of doing nothing. Many youth and adults knew what was going on and failed to act.
Logical consequences for behavior that is inappropriate for teens involved in bullying includes checking them out on Facebook, taking their cell phone away or seeking help from your school counselor, social worker or school psychologist for ideas. When addressing the issue of bullying with small children, we must be gentle and yet firm.
We as an asset building community try very hard to avoid situations that get so bad that law enforcement enters the picture. We in our county are so grateful to have so many who care.
Reflection from Taking Asset Building Personally, SEARCH institute.org
Mary Ann Krems Portage County Alliance for Youth and Paul Vidas President www.nvolved,com Check www.search-institute.org, www.pcayouth.org and Like us o Facebook.