Zeman Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska, must be a great place to be a wimpy kid:

Lincoln Public Schools officials apologized Wednesday for a flier about “turning bullies into buddies” that went home with Zeman Elementary fifth-graders, prompting complaints from parents and angry comments on Facebook.

“That list of 9 rules for dealing with bullies was hands down the worst advice any person could give to another,” said one message on the LPS Facebook page.

Zeman Principal Donna Williams sent an electronic message to families apologizing for the flier, and the district posted the apology on its Facebook page.

Among other things, the flier advises not telling on bullies because “the number one reason bullies hate their victims is because the victims tell on them.” The flier goes on to say, “Telling makes the bully want to retaliate. Tell an adult only when a real injury or crime (theft of something valuable) has occurred. Would we keep our friends if we tattled on them?”

Among the twisted advice the brochure gave to the kids:

Treat the person who is being mean as if they are trying to help you. No matter how insulting or mean they may sound, be grateful and think they really care about you.

Do not tell on bullies. The number one reason bullies hate their victims, is because the victims tell on them. Telling makes the bully want to retaliate. Tell an adult only when a real injury or crime (theft of something valuable) has occurred. Would we keep our friends if we tattled on them?

Message to children: If you are being tormented by others, it’s your fault.

This is so over the top you have to wonder what kind of sadomasochist teacher or staff member came up with it.