Summer Bullying

Does Summer Bring A Break From Bullying For Your Teens?

In the past, students who were bullied at school saw June not only as summer break, but as heralding relief. This relief came because summer break gave bullying targets an escape from their daily tribulations brought on by the incessant harassment of a school bully.

Today, however, a lot of bullying occurs beyond the school grounds in the world of cyberspace; thus, a target of bullying often doesn't get the reprieve of a summer break.  In fact, when the school's hallways are empty for extended breaks, internet use in adolescents dramatically increases.  There are so many summer activities that entice children to put their electronics away; and, encouraging these activities will assist your children in diverting summertime online bullying. Educators, parents, and students are increasingly aware that being constantly connected increases anxiety among adolescents; so, filling your parenting toolbox with ideas for getting your teens to put the electronics away during summer activities is a great way to increase their well-being.

Of course, even with parents exerting some control over their teen's use of the internet when school is out, use is still extremely heavy during the summer months.  Most teens don'tl do their bullying through online electronic games as do their pre-teen aged counterparts.  Teen online bullying is overwhelmingly seen through social media venues 

Today, parents shouldn’t regard summer as a guaranteed bullying-free time. Summer does, however, give parents the unique opportunity to assist their children in building resiliency to help them cope successfully with bullying and cyberbullying. Strong relationships with parents, and other trusted adults, best assists teens in successfully coping with bullying.

Because summertime is "prime time" for family activities and vacations, parents should take advantage of the summer months for relationship building, enjoying time with your teens, and assisting in the formation of positive sibling relationships. Having fun with your adolescents, and bonding with them, will do wonders for increasing their resiliency.

Wishing you a fantastic summer with your teens!

Kristine Kilgour, M.Ed., LPSC
Professional School Counselor
Rockport-Fulton High School
rfhscounselor@gmail.com

Books To Assist Teens Dealing with Difficult Issues

The following list of  books covers sensitive topics, and is intended  for teens to assist readers come to a better understanding of some of life’s most difficult situations.

During their adolescent years, kids face a plethora of tough challenges. Whether you’re a school counselor, teacher, school administrator, or parent of a teen,  it is important to understand the issues that today's teenagers may be dealing with on a day-to-day basis. 

The books on our list can help you better understand the dilemmas and struggles that the adolescents you work with may be facing, and provide an avenue for difficult discussions. 

Books on Sensitive Topics for Teens:

1. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

In this touching, heartbreaking love story, the two main characters learn how to deal with grief, death, and depression.

2. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Nominated for a National Book Award when it was first published, this book illustrates the silencing that sexual assault survivors face all too often.

3. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell intertwines themes of poverty and abuse in this refreshing story about young love.

4. The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore

This book is an inspiring real-life story about the plight of youth in the ghetto, and is a moving exploration of how our choices can shape us.

5. If You Feel Too Much by Jamie Tworkowski & Donald Miller

This is the story that gave birth to To Write Love on Her Arms, an internationally-recognized nonprofit dedicated to providing hope for those struggling with addiction and depression.

7. Just Keep Breathing by Reggie Dabbs & John Driver

This book is  a collection of real-life letters from individuals in tough situations and the responses written back to them by Reggie Dabbs, who is one of the most sought-after public school and event speakers in the United States over the past two decades.  Just Keep Breathing equips its readers to better help those in crisis.

If you’re interested in finding more books for teens who are dealing with difficult issues, check out the links below:

– Top 10 Books Dealing with Mental Illness–
– Take 5: Importance Books on a Difficult Topic 
— Sexual Violence in the Lives of Teens
– Take 5: Books About Suicide
– 10 Young Adult Books That Teach Teens About Difficult Issues
– The American School Counselor Association’s School Counseling Essentials Catalog

Kristine Kilgour, M.Ed., LPSC
School Counselor & Mediator
rfhscounselor@gmail.com
counselorcarryout.blogspot.com