How our words affect others, and what we can do to make it better (New Year’s Resolution)
Bullying; Words leave scars; teacher’s example
A teacher in New York was teaching her class about bullying and gave them the following exercise to perform. She had the children take a piece of paper and told them to crumple it up, stamp on it and really mess it up but do not rip it. Then she had them unfold the paper, smooth it out and look at how scarred and dirty is was. She then told them to tell it they’re sorry. Now even though they said they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind. And that those scars will never go away no matter how hard they tried to fix it. That is what happens when a child bully’s another child, they may say they’re sorry but the scars are there forever. The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home. Pass it on or better yet, if you’re a parent or a teacher, do it with your child/children.
Electric Radio 102.7
Bullying Problems? Suicidal comments? Abuse signs? === Safe2Tell — make sure your kids know about this -1-877-542-7233 (website is safe2tell.org). Kiddos can also talk to any of the Lyons School Resource Officers.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance in an emergency, when you call 911, be sure to ask for a Co-Responder to come along with the police officer. They are trained to help, and reduce the visit resulting in the person being arrested or put in jail. The TOWN OF LYONS RESPONDER is Lynette Anderson, call 303-441-1617 (M-F, 9-3:30). landerson@bouldercounty.org>
What You Say Matters
The words we use in everyday conversation may hurt people experiencing mental health conditions. This is stigma in action. Words that minimize what someone is feeling, or that make light of someone’s experience, can be a big barrier for the person to seek the help they might need. What you say matters.
Reducing stigma around mental health conditions in our communities starts with the words we use. Increasing awareness of stigma can reduce hurtful language and lower barriers to accessing mental health services.
What you say matters. Learn the right thing to say.
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Learn What to Say
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Link information provided by Denver Public Health
