Tip 16 & 17 CANCEL CLIQUES & ISOLATION
Provided by the Safe Schools Unit, San Diego County Office of Education

STUDENTS:

• It's natural to be part of a group, but always treat others with respect.
• Never make fun of someone just because you feel they're not part of your group.
• Be sensitive to students who seem lonely. Invite them to join your activities, even lunch.
• Fine ways to welcome new students to your school.
• If you notice someone is lonely, reach out.
• Be a good listener, be a good friend.
• If you feel lonely, find one person you can talk with and ask an adult for help.

PARENTS:

• Welcome new people into your neighborhood. Include your children.
• Model acceptance of others. Teach tolerance.
• Encourage your child to welcome new students and make new friends.
• If your child appears lonely or isolated, keep lines of communication open and reassure his/her self worth.
  
• Help your child find one activity he/she enjoys. An activity often leads to new friendships.
• If your child is withdrawing, seek professional help.

SCHOOLS:

• Develop programs where students welcome new students.
• Design activities where different groups of students can interact together and have fun.
• Celebrate diversity and make it part of the curriculum.