This Project Cornerstone book of the month cautions kids to choose their words wisely so as not cause harm to others. It is a careful reminder to not pass judgment, to take the time to understand the truth, and be cautious about passing potentially hurtful information on to others.

Rumors stop with me! Refuse to listen when friends are gossiping. Do not repeat the rumor or gossip to others!

Mr. Peabody’s Apples is a story about a respected man who is a role model in his community. Once a rumor starts, he is quickly ostracized and excluded by both adults and children in his small town. His reputation as a community leader is instantly damaged by gossip that rapidly spreads by word of mouth. Today, rumors and gossip extend beyond the bathroom walls to cyberbullying. Cyberbullying enables gossip and rumors to start at school or at home, and spills into both places. To explore and learn more about dealing with this growing trend, go to www.cyberbullying.org. Ask your child to share with you different ways that s/he can stop rumors. Here are some strategies we discussed:

• Rumors stop with me! Refuse to listen when friends are gossiping. Do not repeat the rumor or gossip to others.
• Say Something positive about the target—be an UP-stander!
• Ignore the hook.
• Question the accuracy of the rumor— go to the source and get the whole story.
• Tell a trusted adult and discuss your options.

Maybe you can share your own experience of how Rumors stop with me! You can be a role model (asset #14!) for your children by leading by example. They learn to behave by watching what you do and say. Show children how to find the truth and avoid passing on hearsay.  Your own behavior is the best teaching tool. Thank you for helping reinforce this important message at home so that our school community can be a safer and happier place for all children.

There are 41 Asset Building Characteristics which have been identified to be cornerstones in making children feel safe and that they belong. Project Cornerstone has found that the more of these characteristics which a child develops and feels good about, the less they are influenced or will participate in at-risk behavior.

For more information on Project Cornerstone or Asset Building Characteristics please visit www.projectcornerstone.org.