Getting the Cold Shoulder

  Hey guys, Xavier here again…

 

So far we have talked about physical bullying and verbal bullying and how damaging they can be. Now we are moving to another form of bullying, social exclusion and isolation.   

Everyone likes to have friends and wants to feel like they belong, but sometimes this create cliques. Cliques are made up of individuals who share similar interests and then exclude others that think, act, or look differently. This type of bullying can affect multiple groups; LGBT students, racial minority students, religious minority students, disabled students, overweight students, etc. 

According to an article by Dr. Rick Nauert on psychcentral.com many times kids who are being excluded or ignored can develop physical symptoms such as mood disorders (depression) which actually leave them feeling cold (it gives a whole new meaning to the saying “giving you the cold shoulder”). It is important to remember that we have the power in us to stop this. By just saying "hi" to someone or including them in a group activity, you can really help someone feel like they belong. 

If all else fails, remember the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

For more information on Acception’s solution-based approach to bullying prevention in the classroom, visit www.Acception.info