Frequently Asked Questions

How do you define bullying?

Bullying or harassment is aggressive behavior that intends to intimidate, cause harm, distress, or to make someone do something unwillingly. Bullying is usually repeated over time and happens in a relationship where the bully feels an imbalance of power.

What is H.O.P.E all about?

H.O.P.E. is students led initiative whose goal is to provide a link of communication between parents, teachers, and students. H.O.P.E. spreads awareness, prevention techniques, and inform the students their rights. To find out more click on Mission from the main page.

I am a parent and I don't know what measures to take to help my child.

I am so glad that you are seeking help! It is so important that parents do all they can to help their child. It really and truly starts at home. Bullying is a deep rooted problem. To find out information on what to do then please click on the parents page.

How can I help with H.O.P.E?

There are many ways you can help H.O.P.E.! We are always open for more ideas! " One thing you can do is simply make a donation to materials on the Give Hope page. " Bring H.O.P.E. to your school or organization. " Spread awareness in your community with flyers " Get in touch with the newspaper, radio station, Television station anything you can to spread awareness. " Talk to people! Make an effort to make a difference! It starts with one person! " If you are interested in making presentations please contact H.O.P.E for more information

How can I have H.O.P.E. present to my school/class/organization?

If you want to contact H.O.P.E about having a presentation at your school/class/ or organization please contact us.

I need advice on bullying but I have no one to talk to.

It's pretty tough when you feel you have no one to talk to. Parents, teachers, counselors, friends are all helpful. We also have a support board for victims to discuss their stories and offer helpful advice to others. Also if you would like to share your story with H.O.P.E personally please contact us.

Where can I learn more on bullying?

Great places to learn about bullying is online and through books. Doing research is the best way to learn how to handle harassment. We have a links page for many helpful websites. Also try search engines on the web and going to the library for books on harassment.

What are the signs of bullying?

Signs of bullying to look for: " Pay attention to your child's behavior pattern has it changed? " Has their grades dropped? " Have they become distant? " Have you caught them using drugs, alcohol, or fights? " Do they have low self esteem? " Refusing to go to school? If you have on or more of the above this could be the result of bullying

What did my child do to become a victim?

Do not accuse a victim of provoking a bully. This has nothing even to do with the victim. It has to do with the bully. The bully is driven by their own insecurities. Victims can be anyone from even a "popular" child to the most shy student. It is not always the "traditional" kid that you think of in movies wearing glasses and braces. It's important to know anyone can be a target.

I am a teacher and I don't always see bullying going on. Does this mean we just don't have it at my school or in my class?

No! This means you should look even harder for clues and signs of harassment. There are two kinds of harassment, direct and indirect. Direct harassment is physical taunting but the more common of harassment is the kind we don't see. The indirect which can be spread through rumors, verbal assaults, and now more popular the internet! It is important to recognize this at the beginning. When bullying is not stopped it allows it to even be taken away from school even into the child's own home. As a teacher, principal, counselor, we can not enforce enough that it IS your responsibility for the child's safety at school! Do not dismiss it as something that happens everyday to everyone. No one should live through this. It will escalate into something serious if it is ignored and not addressed. Bullying may lead to extreme mental breakdowns, to suicide, or school shootings. It should not be taken lightly!

I don't know how to talk to my child about harassment

As a parent it's hard to know what to do. All parents need to talk with their children about harassment. Everyone goes through it just at different extents. Insure your child that you have an open relationship to talk about what goes on at school and in their lives. Listen to what they have to say and ask questions. It's important to know what goes on in their lives. Children just need someone to talk to and most of the time they don't know how or who. Don't wait for them to come to you this starts at home and our children are the future.

I think my child is a bully what do I do?

It's difficult to think of your child as a bully. If you suspect it, then chances are that you are right. Talk with your child about harassment and how it makes others feel. Talk to their teachers and pay attention to their behavior. Let them know the seriousness of the effects and how others view bullies. Talking is the best approach with your child as a bully. Choose your words carefully keep the conversation open and ask a lot of questions. Remember no matter what the excuse there is no reason that can justify harassment. A lot of times bullies feel helpless and alone. Work on self confidence techniques. Bullies harass due to their own low self esteem and are trying to find ways to make themselves feel more powerful. Let them know that it is not how your bring others down but what your own capabilities are that makes you competent.

I am a victim and no one will listen

If you have told people about the harassment, sought out help, received none, and the episodes are repeated and even escalating, then please contact the police, or someone who may assist you to put an end to it. For more personal advice on a specific situation please contact H.O.P.E and we will work together to put an end to the harassment. We are here to help.

How did H.O.P.E begin?

That is a great question! To find out more information on how H.O.P.E began click on the history section.