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Crisis Info
Sign Up for Emails- Bullying is intentional harm that can be verbal, social or physical. Bullying can have negative mental health effects on the victim, the bully and witnesses.
- Talking with children about bullying can help them recognize it, know how to respond and think about trusted adults they can turn to for support.
Bullying Resources
Children who are bullied are at higher risk for mental health concerns. But how do you know if your child is being bullied? How can you ask about it? And if there is a bullying situation, what should you do?
We have conversation starters so that you can talk with kids about what they're seeing. And we have advice on how to prevent and stop bullying.
Kids participating in bullying behaviors need help as well. What are the signs that a child may be bullying and what can you do? We have ideas on where to start.
There are also ways to prevent bullying – by teaching kids kindness, empathy and social skills.
Responding to Bullying
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Bullying in Kids: What Parents Need to Know and How to Help
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10 Ways to Combat Bullying
- Adults can teach children empathy, kindness and how to deal with their emotions early on to prevent bullying.
- Conversations about bullying should happen before issues arise.
- Encourage children to be upstanders by including others, telling bullies to stop (if it’s safe) and getting help from adults.
- If a child is being bullied, strategies like ignoring, assertiveness, using the buddy system and partnering with the school can help.
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Cyberbullying - What Is It and How to Help Protect Kids
- Cyberbullying is hurtful, targeted behavior using digital platforms like social media, texts and games, with tactics like doxxing, catfishing and harassment.
- It differs from traditional bullying because it can be anonymous, can occur 24/7 and may leave a lasting digital trail that can spread rapidly.
- Cyberbullying can cause harm to mental health such as anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, academic issues and even suicidal thoughts.
- Warning signs include withdrawal, irritability, secrecy around devices and loss of interest in usual activities.
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What if my Child Is Bullying Others?
- Bullying can stem from a child’s own emotional struggles, a lack of empathy, wanting control or past trauma. Children may also copy aggressive behavior they’ve seen at home, in school or in media.
- Kids who bully often face emotional challenges like low self-esteem, loneliness or depression, and are at higher risk for mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts.
- Adults can support kids who bully others. Talk openly with your child and really listen. Show empathy in your own actions. Set clear and consistent rules. Work with teachers and schools to support positive behavior. Encourage healthy friendships and, when needed, reach out for professional help.
Preventing Bullying
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Kindness Benefits Children’s Mental Health
- Kindness can improve mental health by boosting mood, increasing feelings of belonging and reducing anxiety
- When kindness becomes a habit, it can increase a child’s self-confidence
- There are simple ways you can teach your child about acts of kindness
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Helping Kids Make Friends
Teaching your child social skills may help them make friends more easily. It’s a skill that they’ll use their entire lives - throughout childhood, the teenage years and adulthood.
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Why School Belonging Matters
- A sense of belonging at school helps children feel supported, respected and accepted, which is good for their mental health.
- Children who feel they belong are more engaged in schoolwork, perform better academically and are less likely to experience loneliness, anxiety and depression.
- Teachers can foster belonging by connecting individually with students, encouraging classroom connections and empowering students.
- Parents and caregivers can support school belonging by taking an interest in their child's school life and checking in regularly with the child about school.
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