The Youth Voice Project

Posted Mar 23rd 2010 1:33PM by Francis Duncan

Net Family News is among the great online resources for parents. A recent topic caught my eye, The Youth Voice Project. This project took a close look at bullying and our youth.

Anne Collier, the editor of Net Family News, gave a great breakdown of the study. The thing that struck me the most about this is not only identifying what the challenges were, but what we (as parents and advocates) can do. In reading through the report, it seemed very empowering and I took a few tips that I hope I can share with my daughter and the youth in my life.

I am not sure there is anyone who has never been picked on, but sometimes those who are picked on lose their sense of self and come to parents for advice. It is critical that we take that moment to let our kids know that they are special. They are loved. They are good.

To me, the most encouraging things were:
- 34% of the youth said it helped most to tell an adult at home. If your child comes to you, just being there helps. (from page 8 of the report)
- 47% said that making plans to get back at them made things worse (also on page 8.) Finding ways to make your child feel better without vengeance is something you would do anyway, but actually helps them more anyway.
- Although the question is about educators, 43% of youth said that what helped most is they felt like the educator listened to them. (page 13 of the report)

Do you see anything that inspires you?

Comments (0)