Bullying Epidemic-a new perspective with Josie Ann

I had the pleasure of doing an interview for Josie Ann on my book,

'The Bullying Epidemic-the guide toarm you for the fight'.  

She is the talented book reviewer  from EBook Addict  book blog.  Here is the interview:


1. In your book,"The Bullying Epidemic", you stated, "Parents need to beproactive," how would you advise a parent to handle a situation if theirchild was being bullied?  What if their child was the bully?
I'd like to preface this by pointing out that today'sbullies are not the same bullies that the parents may remember.  It frustrates me to hear a parent or teacherminimize the abuse by saying something like, "Boys will be boys." or"They'll sort this out- it's just kid stuff."
Today's bully has evolved.  They are more sophisticated with a widerreach- thanks to the help of technology.  Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter arebeing used as weapons of terrorism. These bullies are unrelenting with acruelty that is alarming.  They can inflict24 hour torture.  This reflects in therise in suicide among children that were bullied.  And let's not forget the children that just "snap"from the abuse and become violent.  Themajority of school shootings have been linked to bullying. Parents need torecognize the warning signs, intervene immediately whenbullying occurs and send the message that bullying wrong and will not betolerated.
At the first sign of bullying: Report the incident tothe right person (the school might consider identifying an official contact,who may be the school administrator, or a member of the school safetycommittee). Find out the school policy on bullying.  If there is none in place, the parent canshare these guidelines:
Intervene immediately. Separate the students involved. Do not immediately ask aboutor discuss the reason for the bullying or try to sort out the facts. Request more information.  Getthe facts. Speak to students involved (participants and observers) in theincident separately and ask what happened. Tell the students you are aware of their behavior. Talk to thestudents involved separately. Make it ateachable experience.  Helping bystanders understand what hashappened and why may be important for preventing future incidents.
And always, always follow up!
For the Student Who Was Bullied:
Check in regularly with the student.Determine whether the bullying still continuesProvide a supportive environmentReview the school rules and policies with thestudent to ensure they are aware of their rights and protectionConsider referring them for professional orother services as appropriate
For the Student Who Bullied Others
Identify the behaviorReview the school rules and policies with thestudentAsk for positive change in future behaviorConsider referring them for professional orother services as appropriateConsider appropriate graduated consequencesEncourage the student to channel theirinfluence and behavior into positive leadership rolesMonitor and check in frequently

2. At what age did youbecome a victim of bullying?
I was seven yearsold.  I was a shy child and being bulliedwas an extremely traumatic experience.  Icried for hours when I wrote this book.  During those two years, my life was sad andlonely. It robbed me of my childhood innocence. 
3. What are ways, inyour opinion, that people can bring awareness to bullying?
Everyone needs to stepup to the plate.  As in the wise Africanproverb, "It takes a whole village to raise a child."  If you suspect abuse- investigate. 
Speak up! If you'renot part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

4. Now in your book,you mentioned that bullying can begin in Pre-Kindergarten.  In my opinion,that's a very young age; where do you think children at the young of an agelearn such a thing?
In today's society, from children's televisionto movies and games, mean behavior is glamorized. Speaker and author BarbaraColoroso (http://kidsareworthit.com) claims we are living in a "cultureof mean."   She says it's imperative toacknowledge bullying regardless of age because the behavior often progresses.
5. Have you been incontact with any of the people who used to bully you?  
No. I have no desireto see any of those people. I'm quite sure they have grown up to be adultbullies.
6. Lastly, what advicewould you give to someone who is being bullied?
Tell an adult youtrust-your parent, teacher, counselor. If your teachersdon't do anything, talk to your principal. Telling is not tattling.  If you stay silent you only protect the bullyand leave the victim in harms way. 
 Speak up againstbullying. Say something like,"Stop it."Walk away. Act like you do not care, even if you really do.Stick together. Staying with a group might help.
Always remember...You are not alone.  It isnot your fault. Nobody should be bullied! Talk to someone youtrust.  Do not hurt yourself. Do not bully back. Do not bully anyoneelse.  Do not let the bully win. Keep doing what you love to do.
There are some great websites with resources and advice. http://www.stopbullying.gov/http://ww...
7) What book are you currently reading?
That would be books-plural. I have very eclectic taste in my books. Right now I am reading Two Graves by D.A. Graystone.  Ironically it's about a serial killer who "snapped"due to bullying.  I'm also reading 'TheLove You Crave' by John Locke.  It's acrazy adventure with a hit man and a host of unique characters.  And I just started reading 'The Raised' aparanormal, supernatural adventure by Allen Renfro.  I do love the paranormal.
8) Do you have a certain amount of books you would like to read or write forthe year of 2012?
I will read as many as I can devour.  I love to read.  I write book reviews too-but only for booksthat I really like. I won't write a bad review. There are enough mean critics out there. Just kidding!  I know there is aplace for constructive criticism but I'd rather not be that person.
9) What or who inspired you to become an author?
The books that I read as a child opened a whole new universe forme.  I read books like 'Jungle Book' and' Ali -Baba and the Forty Thieves and felt like had I traveled toexotic places like India and ancient Persia. Even books like the Trixie Beldenseries and Nancy Drew were like windows to different worlds and lifestylesoutside of my own. 
10) Are you currently working on any novels?  If so, canyou tell us about them? 
Yes, I am working on the second book in the 'Magical Adventure'saga.  It's a young adult, paranormaladventure.  There are ghosts andmysticism along with more adventures in astral projection.  I am also working on "Vacation GoneWild", which is a fun romance adventure novel, based in Spain. I would sayit probably leans toward the 'Chick Lit' genre'.  

 Thanks so much Josie!
You can find Josie's book blog,
eBook Addict  here 

You can find Josie's heartfelt blog, 
In This Moment here 

You can find Josie on Goodreads here

You can find Josie on Facebook here