Bullying Prevention

Bullying is when a person or group repeatedly tries to harm someone who is weaker or who they think is weaker.

Bullying can take many forms such as: 

• Verbal: name-calling, teasing 
• Social: spreading rumors, leaving people out on purpose, breaking up friendships 
• Physical: hitting, punching, shoving 
• Cyberbullying: using the Internet, mobile phones or other digital technologies to harm others 

A recent nationwide study of over 43,000 high school students showed that nearly half(47%) had been bullied, teased or taunted in a way that seriously upset them during the previous 12 months. 

The same study revealed that 50% of all high school students had taunted someone at least once during the previous 12 months. 

Each day 160,000 students miss school for fear of being bullied. 

Children and youth who are bullied are more likely to be depressed, lonely, anxious, have low self-esteem, fell unwell, and think about suicide. 

If you suspect your child may be the victim of bullying, you can help by providing lots of opportunities to talk with you in an open and honest way. Seek help from your child’s teacher, school guidance counselor, pediatrician, mental health provider, or your workplace Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

If you suspect your child is bullying others, it’s important to seek help for him or her as soon as possible. Without intervention, bullying can lead to serious academic, social, emotional and legal difficulties.