Posted: 8/18/2014
Parkland expert offers tips on preventing, detecting problems
August and the start of school can bring anxiety rather than excitement for some children, particularly those who face daily bullying throughout the school year.
Parkland Health & Hospital System experts note that bullying is a serious issue for many children and one that can lead to a number of problems, including substance abuse, suicide and both psychological and physical health issues. And, the effects can be experienced by both those who are bullied and those who bully.
Nubia Morales, LMSW, social worker at Parkland’s East Dallas Health Center, described bullying as a “form of youth violence and a serious public health problem.”
“It’s widespread in the U.S., and Dallas is no exception,” Morales said.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, almost 30 percent of students report being bullied during the school year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that nearly 20 percent of high school students reported being bullied, and just under 15 percent said they were bullied online. And, 67 percent of students who were bullied did not report it.
The top three reasons for the bullying were looks, body shape and race.
Morales said it is important for parents to talk to their children and help them learn to speak up by talking to teachers, counselors or the school principal.
“Parents can help their children prepare for situations when they are faced with a bully by role-playing with them,” Morales said. “Parents should also let the child know that bullying is not their fault; they are being targeted. Help children have a positive outlook and build their self-confidence.”
Symptoms that your child may be the target of bullying include not wanting to go to school, sadness or depression, withdrawing from activities or friends, harming himself or herself, as well as a variety of other issues such as stomach aches, headaches, nightmares or lower than expected grades at school.
On the opposite end, Morales said that if your child suddenly has unexplained money or other items, or is having behavior problems at school those could be signs that your child could be a bully.
“Kids who are bullies tend to be more aggressive and have difficulty controlling their anger,” Morales said.
She emphasized that bullying is a learned behavior. Children who experience physical punishment, witness abuse, or are victims of abuse tend to be bullies. Parents should talk to a counselor, therapist or social worker and learn as much as possible about bullying.
Parents who need assistance can speak with a social worker at one of Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers or talk with officials at your child’s school.
Additional information also is available by visiting http://www.stopbullying.gov/index.html or http://espanol.stopbullying.gov.