Children and youth with disabilities are at a higher risk of being socially excluded and bullied while at school compared with their typically developing peers. One study reports that youth also encounter social exclusion from their teachers and that teachers’ attitudes toward children with disabilities often influences the social exclusion by peers. Bullying does not only happen in person at school. Cyber bullying is bullying through texting or online. Proactive interventions can help youth develop coping skills and become more resilient in handling these situations.
How to Handle Bullying of Children with Special Needs
Kids On the Block Educational Puppets Facebook Page
Kids on the Block This puppet program educates students about disabilities and other medical differences.
Helping Students with Disabilities Better Address Teasing and Bullying Situations: A MASNRN Study.
Teaching Tolerance – A place for educators to find thought-provoking news, conversation and support for those who care about diversity, equal opportunity and respect for differences in schools
Strategies for Improving Disability Awareness and Social Inclusion of Children and Young People with Cerebral Palsy Children with cerebral palsy were intereviewd to determine strategies to help improve social inclusion at school. Suggestions were: disclosure of condition and creating awareness of disability; awareness of bullying; developing a peer support network and building self-confidence; and suggestions on what teachers can do. The authors suggest that children’s suggestions be considered within the classroom context to enhance social incusion and participation of children with disabilities. Sept. 2011. Canada
Experiences of Social Exclusion and Bullying at School Among Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy. Aug. 2011. Canada
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program – Program that schools can purchase. Site includes recommendations for funding purchase.
