Bullying - Another Threat to Your Child

According to Pacer, a Minneapolis-based parent training and information center for families with children with disabilities, every day, 160,000 children skip school because they fear being bullied. Most of the time, bullying is a mindset and won't stop unless an adult intervenes. Communication and education can prevent bullying. Arizona has had anti-bullying legislation since 2005, requiring schools to enforce procedures that prohibit students from harassing, intimidating and bulling other students. Concerned parents should be informed about both the signs of bullying, and the remedies available for their child.

Warning Signs of a Bullied Child

* Has bruises or cuts without a logical explanation

* Reluctant to go to school. Takes an alternate path to school.

* Asks for money to meet the bully's demands

* Has nightmares and/or cries out while asleep

* Has torn clothing or books without a logical explanation

* Quieter than usual, withdrawn 

* Socially withdrawn, fails to talk about school friends in a positive light

* Mentions someone they don't like at school

* Grades decline, interest in school declines

Types of Bullying

* Physical: Shoving, punching, kicking, biting, damaging another's belongings

* Verbal: Teasing, threats, name calling, intimidation, demeaning jokes, rumors, gossip

* Emotional: Social exclusion, humiliating someone publicly, telling lies to hurt another's reputation

* Cyberbullying: Nasty texting, posting videos or photos that ridicule someone, spreading rumors through social networking sites.

Get more information and help with bullying at http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/default.aspx 

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