Bullying and Cyberbullying

DON'T WAIT ANOTHER DAY TO GET HELP  FOR YOUR CHILD! FREE QUICK CONSULTATION:   The information that you provide to us is kept confidential.

Is your teen the bully or the victim? 

Bullying and cyberbullying is when someone hurts or scares another person repeatedly, maliciously and intentionally. The behavior is never appropriate. 

The old cliché of sticks and stones can hurt your bones but words will never hurt you couldn't be more inaccurate.  Today teens and children are being harassed verbally to a point that the emotional scarring can lead to feelings of suicidal thoughts and some actually to death. 
Bullied to death.  The news and headlines are a perfect example of the escalated bullying and cyberbullying that is happening in our country.  It is time that parents step in and step up to the plate.  Help form anti-bullying groups in your schools and communities.  Learn about your School Climate and  get involved.  Education is key to prevention and it begins at home. 

Bullying comes in different forms: 

Physical Bullying: Is the most obvious form of intimidation and can consist of  hitting, kicking, biting, pinching, hair pulling, and other forms of physical abuse. A bully may threaten to punch you if you don't give up something you have and they want such as your lunch or your money.

Verbal Bullying: Often accompanies physical behavior and threats. This can include name calling, harassing, and spreading rumors or gossip about you.

Emotional Intimidation: Is closely related to these two types of bullying. A bully may deliberately exclude you from a school outing or a group party that your friends are all going to. 

Racist Bullying: Can take many forms: making racial slurs, spray painting graffiti, mocking the victim's cultural customs, and making offensive gestures.

Sexual Bullying: Is unwanted physical contact or abusive and inappropriate comments.

Sexual Preference Bullying: Especially teens that are gay, will suffer from vicious verbal, emotional and physical attacks.  As we have seen this too many times, the ending can be tragic.  Parenting is teaching tolerance and acceptance. 

Cyberbullying is one or a group of kids or teens using electronic means via computers and cell phones (emails, Web sites, chat rooms, instant messaging and texting) to torment, threaten, harass, humiliate, embarrass or target another child or teen.

Sexting: Is another form of cyberbullying which is usually unflattering or humiliating pictures of oneself that are spread virally to a large group.  These pictures are commonly sexual in nature and not intended for worldwide viewing. 
 

Parents need to teach their children to be upstanders. 

What is an upstander? Why is it important to consider when we think about bullying? 

An upstander is someone who says "no" to bullying. In virtually all bully-victim situations, there are witnesses who view or know about the act. We want to make sure our kids are part of a community where everyone-kids and grownups alike-makes the decision to be an upstander, rather than a passive bystander who does nothing. 

For more information on bullying and cyberbullying visit the following websites:

Bully Bust 
Stomp Out Bullying 
Stop Bullying NOW! 

If you feel your teen is the victim of bullying or cyberbullying, as difficult as it can be, try to get them to talk about it.  An adolescent therapist may be needed if you see that your teen or child is becoming more withdrawn and secretive.

Many parents are not aware of the emotional damage bullying or cyberbullying can have on their teen.  It can be long lasting and it is critical you get them the help they may need.

If you feel that your teen is escalating to a point of depression, suicidal thoughts or other negative behavior, don't waste a minute getting the extra help they may need.

Don't risk your teen becoming a statistic, reach out and get help today.