Can Bullies Be Identified As Early As Kindergarten, and Stopped Before Reaching Middle School?

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The tendency to bully, or be bullied, is learned before children ever reach middle school, where experts agree bullying peaks.

• 28% of children in grades 6 – 12 have experienced bullying or are feeling bullied
• 1 in 3 U.S. middle school students say they have been bullied at school
• 160,000 teens skip school every day to avoid being bullied and
• 1 out of 10 drops out of school due to repeated bullying.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141117/158937
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Award winning and internationally acclaimed author Anita Telle believes there are signs parents and educators can use to identify behaviors and attitudes that indicate if a child is being bullied, or if they may become a bully and if they are already acting on those aggressive and dominating tendencies. In her most recent book "The Ultimate Anti-Bullying Solutions Guide: The Surefire Way to STOP Bullying NOW!" Telle states that the pursuit of perfection breeds intolerance and creates fear of what is 'different,' stimulating bullying behavior. Bullying peaks at a time in a child's life when they are transitioning from child to adult, and they will model the behavior of adults. If intolerance is the norm, and diversity is not supported at home, children will act out those beliefs on their peers.

"I truly believe that the day we embrace different as perfect is the day we can celebrate the end of bullying," says Telle.

Research indicates that being different seems to attract bullies, and kids who think it's cool to associate with that bully. Students who are identified as special needs, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT), overweight, and who are perceived as "weak" are the most likely targets. For example, 90% of LGBT youths report being verbally bullied as a result of their sexual orientation.

Telle shares that the keys to stopping bullying behavior are helping a child develop healthy self-esteem, learning the difference between being aggressive and being assertive, and she offers positive solutions parents can adopt with their child:

• 7 ways to help your child handle bullies.
• Help your child find their ultimate bully shield.
• How to trust yourself as a parent.

Honoring the good work done during October's Bullying Prevention Month, Telle is offering the digital version of The Ultimate Anti-Bullying Solutions Guide free for two days: today and tomorrow, 11/17 and 11/18. Telle personally visited schools and read her anti-bullying message to more than 500 students.

"Anita's dedication to wanting to make a change in the world is obvious in her book...you will find practical and wise suggestions for yourself and your child, including sample letters you can send to everyone from your child's principal to your state senator. This is a must read for any parent." – Al Bargen. Author, entrepreneur, parent.

About Anita Telle:

Anita Telle was born in Bergen, Norway; she loves working with children and was one of the founders of Santa Cruz Children's Charity. Going to schools and reading her anti bullying message to children age 4-9 is her mission. She began writing books to inspire and encourage children to read by creating fun, entertaining and educational stories based on real life issues and experiences. Anita is also the creator of Gnomy's Boo-Boo Bears, donating 20% of the profits to Operation Smile. Anita lives in California with her son Branden. Other publications include: "Old but Not Expired," "Always Time for Kindness," and "A Little Different All Perfect."

Contact Information:

• Anita Telle
• 831-331-4401
• Email
• anitatelle.com
• c/o Michelle Vandepas 332 N. Tejon St., Ste. 223, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

SOURCE Anita Telle