Bullying.

Bullying.

It’s a child, family, school, community, and societal issue. Bullying can happen to any child. It can be blatant or it can be insidious. This systemic problem is real, it’s here, and it’s now. Every single one of us is obligated to step up and do our part to prevent the long-lasting emotional and social damage that can result when a child is bullied, including self-harming behaviors and suicide.  

This Consumer Update from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy does a great job of defining bullying as well as how each of us, from parents to teachers to those children who stand around and don’t do anything, can step in and step up to decrease bullying behavior and create an atmosphere of zero tolerance. Having dealt with the issue of bullying both personally and professionally, as a therapist and a parent, I urge you to be alert for the signs of bullying listed in this article. Listen, validate and believe your child when he or she comes to you, and then do something about it.  Get involved and advocate for your child’s well-being and the right to a bully-free school experience. Marriage and Family Therapists are trained to assist families dealing with bullying, including how to manage the bullying behavior, working with the school, and providing social skills training.

Intentionally,

Lisa