Every seven seconds, a child somewhere in the U.S. is bullied, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The effects of bullying can last a lifetime; it lowers the self-esteem and security of our youth.
As President Obama said recently, bullying is not a rite of passage and “no child should feel that alone.” Bullying goes beyond pushing and shoving. Bullying is also when a child suddenly finds no one will eat lunch with or play with them at recess. It is relational aggression, not just physical aggression.
There are programs available to help decrease bullying, such as Kids on the Block Awareness Program, of which I am program director, through Impact NW. Our shows help open kids’ eyes on this topic and given them an opportunity to talk about how to respond to bullying in a healthy way. Learn more at http://impactnw.org.
All children deserve a secure, healthy setting for growth. Many children who are bullied don’t tell others out of humiliation. Give children a chance to discuss these issues by talking to them honestly and supporting the local programs they need. For tips on how to talk to your child, visit http://stopbullying.gov.
