It's hard to always do the right thing, especially when people around you are hurting you. But reading about the experiences of other kids your age can help.

[Bullying and teasing] [When somebody touches you the wrong way] [When you feel sad, or depressed] [When your family is awful] [Good citizenship] [Fitness]

Bullying and teasing

Do you hate going to school because other kids call you names and push you around? You're not alone, and you can do something about it! At www.bullying.org, you'll see all kinds of stories, comments, poems and drawings from kids around the world who've been bullied, too, and their tips for standing up against meanies. You can also listen to songs and see films about bullying, and your teachers can learn ways to stop bullying at your school. This Web site was created by former Rankin Inlet, Nunavut teacher Bill Belsey after the tragic death of high school student Jason Lang in Taber, Alberta in 1999. The 14-year-old boy accused of shooting Jason had been bullied by others.

When somebody touches you the wrong way

You are the boss of your body - nobody can touch it without your permission. AboutHealth.com shows what other kids say they would do if they ever felt strange about somebody touching them, and gives you good advice about what to do to protect yourself.

When you feel sad, or depressed

Everybody feels sad once in a while. But if your sadness goes on too long, it could be something more serious called depression: Find out what you can do about it at the www.kidshealth.org site.

When your family is awful

Sometimes the problem isn't you - it's your family. At the AlAteen Web site, kids from 4 - 12 tell others about their experiences, and what helped them to cope.

Good citizenship

You're more grown-up than you think when you do thoughtful things like put litter in the garbage (and not just your own!), or help a smaller child who has fallen off her bike and is crying. The Time for Citizenship Web site shows that there are lots of ways kids can be good citizens by being honest, compassionate, respectful, responsible and courageous.

Fitness

Dance, skip rope, play tag, or blow up a balloon and play volleyball if you're stuck at home - no matter where you are, you can always exercise, as www.kidshealth.org demonstrates. Making your heart beat faster is good for you - you'll be stronger, and you'll feel happier too!