Prior to using this Quick Discussion Guide, you and your child may want to do any or all of the following activities on "It's My Life":

• Read the "Gossip And Rumors" article.

• Work together to come up with a "You Said It" submission for this topic.

• Print out the Crossword Puzzle and/or IML Journal page "Gossip And Rumors.” Complete it together or encourage your child to complete it on his/her own.

Discussion Questions:

• Do your friends do a lot of gossiping?

• What types of things do you gossip about?

• What do you think are the main reasons why people spread gossip in your school?

• Is the gossip ever done to single out or be cruel to a particular person? How does it make that person feel?

• Do people spread gossip about you? How does it make you feel? Are these people who you consider your friends?

• What do you do when you hear one person spreading hurtful rumors about another?

• Who do you stick up for at school, especially when you see someone else trying to hurt that person?

• Do you understand how rumors can be a form of bullying? How can words hurt just as much as physical bullying?

Remember:
-- Everyone gossips, but gossip that’s done to diminish one child’s status in a group or to gain power or control is very hurtful and destructive.

--Among girls, gossip and rumors are often used as a form of attack or bullying within a circle of friends, often to establish a pecking order. Among boys, it is usually done to kids outside of the circle.

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