Bullying

Bullying is “an unwanted and harmful verbal, physical, psychological,
sexual, or social act committed by an individual or group, as well as any real or
perceived threat of imbalance of power.” Those harmed by bullying may be targeted on the basis of their sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical appearance and/or disability. Even though it has become prevalent in schools and other social settings throughout the United States, its signs are not visible at times which could result in neglect and underreporting. It also poses serious concerns within the school setting and should not be overlooked by caretakers or educators. It fosters an environment of fear and panic within schools, on playgrounds, cyber space, and a wide variety of other domains and settings. Children, adolescents, and adults that are victims of bullying could present with numerous psychological and school-related problems, including: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, chronic tardiness and absences, difficulty concentrating, and overall decline in daily functioning, among others. That is why it is crucial to identify signs/symptoms and engage in early prevention and treatment. Many times kids won’t ask for help, so it is important to know what to look for. If your child is at immediate risk of harming himself or others, seek help
immediately.