Anti-bullying Resources

A recent string of suicides related to bullying has prompted numerous commitments to stop it

Anti-bullying resources
It’s no ROTFLOL matter. About one-third of children experience bullying each year, according to the White House, and it can lead to academic failure, absence from school, drug and alcohol abuse, health problems and even suicide.

 including one kids-centric TV network’s two-year ad campaign launched recently. It’s aimed at offering advice to young people confronted with digital harassment and is fronted by a star who plays a techy teen.

Read on to learn about recent teen bullying stories and get tips from anti-bullying programs that are making a difference, including these:

Common Sense Media
“Dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.”

Cyberbullying Research Center
“Those who are bullied at school are bullied online, and those who bully at school bully online,” said Justin Patchin, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center.

Facebook ‘social reporting’
Facebook has initiated a new "social reporting" system that will let people report content that violates Facebook policies and notify parents and teachers about it, so they can address why it was posted. However, less than 15 percent of those who experience cyberbullying report it.

Stomp Out Bullying
Created by a nonprofit formed to protect children, Stomp Out Bullying aims to bring awareness to kids, teens, parents and schools about the issue of bullying.

Connect for Respect
A major child advocacy organization started this campaign to have PTAs nationwide hold a "Connect for Respect" event in their community to share resources with parents about bullying.

Stopbullying.gov
With the launch of Stopbullying.gov ― a site with information for parents, kids and educators about bullying ― the federal government is also taking steps.

Bullying is not "just a harmless rite of passage,” said President Barack Obama. “Bullying can have destructive consequences for our young people. And it's not something we have to accept."

Steps to Respect
“It makes other people feel a lot safer in school when people stand up for them,” said Kyara, a third-grader who participates in the research-based program that teaches students to refuse and report bullying.

Stop Bullying World
“The mission of the International Bullying Prevention Association is to support and enhance quality, research-based bullying prevention principles and practices in order to achieve a safe school climate, healthy work environment, good citizenship and civic responsibility.”

5 New Ways to Beat Bloat

Shrink your stomach and avoid bloating by making smart eating choices. These foods will keep your belly in check

Want to fit into your pants? Look at the carbs you're eating, says Jacqueline Wolf, MD, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and author of A Woman's Guide to a Healthy Stomach. Many are high in one of five hard-to-digest sugars: lactose, fructose, fructans, sugar alcohols, and galactans. To help relieve your symptoms, study your diet and follow these tips.

Stop Milking It

If dairy makes you bloated, you may have developed lactose intolerance. Try lower-lactose foods (like hard cheese or yogurt) or lactose-free dairy products, or take a lactase enzyme.

If dairy isn't your problem, you can satisfy cheese cravings and still lose weight with these 400 Calorie Meals

Pick Fruit Carefully

Berries, grapes, and citrus contain a near-equal ratio of the sugars fructose and glucose, making them easier to digest than fruits with more fructose, such as honeydew, apples, and pears.

Switch Your Starch

If fructan-rich wheat, rye, or barley is behind your bloat, choose stomach-friendly rice, corn, oats, or potatoes.

Not every food choice is going to dent your belly. Check out these 7 food safety mistakes you cant afford to make.

Skip Some (Fake) Sugars

Sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol are sugar alcohols found in diet sodas and sugar-free gum. Avoid these if they bother you, or opt for products made with stevia or aspartame instead.

Be Smart About Beans

Limit galactan-rich legumes (soy nuts, chickpeas, lentils, and all beans), cabbage, and brussels sprouts if they're causing you trouble. Soaking dried beans overnight or taking the OTC enzyme Beano may help.