They come in all shapes, genders and sizes, and when they turn on your child, it can be torture. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated their policy to encourage pediatricians to view bullying as a health issue due to teen and adolescent suicides related to repeated taunting. Their definition says, “Bullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, or over the Internet.”
Pediatrician Dr. Shakha Gillin told Breezy Mama that as a result, doctors now, “Screen for bullying and encourage positive relations for children.” She also emphasized, “that bullying can be a huge issue on the Internet. It is important for families to discuss with their children appropriate uses of the computer, and how to avoid being bullied on the Internet.”
Dr. Gordon Caras, PhD, A.P.C. of the SD Psychoanalytic Institute gave Breezy Mama tips on what to do when your child is the victim of a bully and advice if it’s your child that’s the accused culprit.
If a parent comes to you with a distressed child because of a school bully, what is the first thing you advise them?
I first [Read more…] about The School Bully – How to Protect Your Child
