Recognizing Anti-Bullying Awareness Week: A Guide for Parents

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, one in five students reported being bullied in 2019, with slightly more female than male students being victims. A concerning 41% of students who reported being bullied believed the bullying would persist.

Anti-Bullying Awareness Week, observed every November, serves as a reminder that parents, teachers, and faculty must work together to halt bullying in its tracks.

Identifying Signs of Bullying

Here are some signs that your child may be a victim of bullying:

- Frequent torn clothes or damaged belongings

- Unexplained cuts or bruises, often accompanied by claims of not remembering how they occurred

- Limited number of friends

- Fear of going to school, riding the bus, or participating in extracurricular activities

- Decline in academic performance

- Mood swings, including sadness, anger, and depression

- Sleep disturbances or nightmares

- Loss of appetite

- Low self-esteem

Recognizing if Your Child is a Bully

For every victim, there is a bully. It can be shocking for parents to discover that their child is the one bullying others. Here are some signs your child may be a bully:

- Constant justification of bad behavior and shifting blame onto others

- Friends who often act meanly or aggressively

- Difficulty sleeping due to snoring or apnea

- History of trouble at school

- Behavioral issues like impulsiveness, frustration, and lack of empathy

- Presence of anger and/or violence at home

Taking Action Against Bullying

Whether your child is the victim or the bully, it's crucial to have a calm conversation with them to understand the situation.

Seeking professional help for your child is also strongly recommended. Victims of bullying often experience trauma, while bullies typically have underlying issues or past traumas that lead to their behavior.

If you'd like to explore treatment options for your child, please reach out to me. Anti-Bullying Awareness Week is a time for us to come together, raise awareness, and take action. By doing so, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by bullying.