Your Voice

Bullies on the School Bus (email sent to McGruff via www.mcgruff.org)

My son has a problem with bullies on the school bus. I can't find much advice out there on school bus bullies to help him. He tries to ignore them, but he can't get away from them and is subjected daily to their taunting. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.

The school bus is one place where a lot of kids are bullied. Your son has been doing the right thing by trying to ignore the bullies, but this can be hard. We also recommend that your son always sit with a friend. Bullies don't pick on kids as often when they have others to stick up for them. It's hard to get away from the bullies on the bus, but your son can also try to sit as far away from them as possible. Another thing he can try if he feels comfortable doing so is to talk things out with the bully. Tell him to try to understand how the bully is feeling and be sure to get his feelings across too.

Remind your son that he can always ask the bus driver for help, either while the bullying is happening or before it starts. If the bus driver doesn't realize the bullying is happening or doesn't try to stop it, you can try talking to him or her on your son's behalf. If the problem doesn't stop, you need to contact the school authorities for help.

Our first McGruff comic-activity book discusses bullying on the bus. I will send a copy to your son, and he can also order a set of free trading cards that discuss bullying. He can order the cards online at www.mcgruff.org/order.htm . Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to help. McGruff says hello.

Thanks for the Comic Books

Years ago you sent us a comic book on guns and such. My two oldest children have had me read it to them many, many times each. They told me I did good voices! We have just signed up to receive your free McGruff trading cards. I also saw some of the “old” comics online at the McGruff homepage, www.mcgruff.org . I hope to read the comics out loud to the whole family tonight! Thanks McGruff and keep up the good work.