For many, the back-to-school excitement has begun. But with all the excitement of shopping for new backpacks and school supplies, many forget the worry and stress that students can face when returning to school for the new year. Children and teens may experience a wide-range of emotions and anxieties when the school year begins, which extend beyond meeting new teachers, finding new peer groups, or trying out a new sport or activity. Many students are faced with bullying, a wide-spread issue in all communities.
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is related, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying behavior may include:
Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. There are several types of bullying:
What can parents and caregivers do to help make the start of a new school year a little less worrisome? First, having regular conversations with teens and children about daily life (activities, friends, every day issues, etc.) may provide the basic foundation needed for when it is time for a much heavier topic, such as bullying. Communication about every day things is key and will provide the trust needed for when children and teens need to talk about more sensitive topics.
Of course, parents should also talk about bullying directly with their children.Doing so is an important step in understanding how the issue might be affecting your child. Start conversations about bullying with questions like these:
In addition to talking to your child about bullying, there are also a variety of online resources as web-based products and mobile apps which educate parents and caretakers, as well as help keep children and teens safe. Feel free to check out these resources:
https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/internet/best-apps-prevent-cyberbullying/
https://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/
With regular conversations, as well as education and awareness of bullying, children and parents alike will be better equipped to face the new school year. If you, your children, or someone you know have safety concerns or are being bullied, please contact your local school, law enforcement, or Someplace Safe Advocacy Office at 1.800.974.3359. Visit us online at https://www.someplacesafe.info/.
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