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can use the Internet and cell phones.
• Keep the computer in a room where you
can monitor your kids’ use.
• Send any materials a cyberbully has
posted to his or her parents.
• For teens, set rules so you can view their
interactive Internet site visits on pages
like Facebook.
• Call the police if a cyberbully
threatens violence.
In addition, discuss these rules with
your kids:
• Don’t send messages online that you
wouldn’t say in person.
• Avoid responding to hurtful messages.
Block the sender, remove friendship
links, and tell a trusted adult.
• If kids see someone being cyberbullied,
they should tell the bully to stop, help
the victim, or inform an adult.
Boost Self-Esteem to
Banish Bullying
Doctor Bernard may show up at your children’s
school soon with his message about
good health, including nutrition, safety,
fitness, and courteous behavior. His motto
to kids is “Treat yourself right!” He knows
that a positive self-image helps counter the
causes and effects of bullying.
To improve your children’s confidence
and teach them to treat themselves — and
others — right, try this advice:
• Encourage them to get involved in
sports, hobbies, and other activities.
• Celebrate their successes.
• Pay attention if your child uses a lot of
self-defeating statements. Negativity can
signal low self-esteem. But reciting positive
statements, such as “I can do anything
that I set my mind to,” may brighten one’s
outlook. In one study, students increased
their self-esteem by saying 15 affirmations
three times a day for two weeks.
• Avoid criticizing children too much.
When you do criticize, attack actions,
not people. Saying “I get upset when
you don’t get out of bed on time” is better
than “You’re lazy.” •
Meet the Pawsitive Action Team!
Doctor Bernard and his furry friends encourage kids to stay
healthy and safe — and have fun! Introduce your children to
the Pawsitive Action Team:
Doctor Bernard is the team leader.
He wants to help kids and their families
and friends learn how to em“bark” on
the path to a healthier lifestyle. He says,
“Together, let’s take pawsitive action!”
Picatso is a creative
cat who loves drawing and
writing. He’s always curious
about the best ways to stay
healthy. “Meowser!” is his
favorite phrase.
Hopscotch is an energetic bunny who
says “Let’s go!” to New Jersey kids. She loves
sports and games, and encourages children to
get outside and play.
Do you have children ages 10 and younger?
Help them join the Pawsitive Action Team!
Membership is free, and they’ll receive a kit
full of fun materials and activities that promote
good health. Visit DoctorBernard.com
with your kids today!
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Meridian HealthViews March/April 2009
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