Bullying Prevention
Bullying is when a person or group of people hurts or scares a victim on purpose. Usually, bullying happens over and over with the same people. Some examples of bullying behaviors are punching, shoving, spreading rumors, teasing, or not letting someone be part of a group. Bullying can happen in person or online (cyberbullying).
- About 1 in 5 high school students report being bullied at school.
- Around 43% of kids have experienced cyberbullying.
- Only 1 in 10 children who have been bullied will tell a parent or trusted adult.
Signs of Bullying
- Child starts doing poorly in school
- Damage or loss of clothing and other personal items that your child cannot explain
- Signs of physical abuse, like bruises and scratches
- Loss of friends or change in friends
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Avoidance or not attending school
- Unusually sad, moody, anxious, angry, or depressed
- Headaches, stomach aches, or other physical complaints
Where and When Bullying Happens
Bullying can begin as early as the preschool years. Bullying behaviors become more intense during middle school and can continue into high school. Bullying can happen when groups of kids meet, like at school, camp, or in an afterschool or daycare setting.
Talk With Your Child
- The most important thing you can do is talk to your child about bullying and teach them that it is unacceptable. All people should be treated with kindness and respect.
- In every instance of bullying, there are bullies, victims, and bystanders. Your child could fall into any of these categories.
- Teach your child to tell you or a trusted adult when they see or experience bullying - then you can work together on a plan to stop it.
