Bullying – A Growing Problem for Our Kids

Approximately, half of U.S. students are impacted by bullying each school day. It happens on buses, in the cafeteria, gym, hallways, playground, and classroom.  Children are often embarrassed or humiliated about being bullied are unlikely to discuss it with their parents or teachers and generally suffer in silence.  Unless parents see the obvious signs such as physical marks, cuts, bruises and scrapes, they tend to think their children are out of danger.  The old saying, “silence is golden,” is not always true.  Sudden behavioral changes in your child such as not explaining the loss of toys, school supplies, clothing, lunches or money, could be a “loud” sign that there’s a problem.

Research indicates that children will often skip school because they fear being attacked or intimidated by other students.  Make no mistake, bullying is an ongoing problem, and chances are that your kid could be next.  Now is the time to learn some basic action steps to follow and empower yourself to effectively deal with your child's bullying problems at the school level.

One way to address this issue is through early intervention.  Hearing about other kids in your child’s school, or reporting of the newspaper or on TV is an excellent way to approach the subject of bullying with your child.  If you find out that your child is being bullied, create a plan to help keep him safe.  This plan should include:

• As much as possible hang out in groups.

• Let your school know it you are being bullied at school.

• Avoid areas that the bully is known to hang out.

• Be aware of his surroundings, especially places that could be trouble, leave that spot and take a different route.

Need more advice on what to do as a parent if bullying escalates and becomes more serious?  Email me at forourkids1st@aol.com,  and share your thoughts and concerns.  I have wonderful suggestions and tools that you can use today. Call us at 1-888-314-0003 or (757) 327-0481, “or visit our website at: www.4ourkids.org.