How parents can protect children from bullying

Bullying is a major problem facing our youth today. In fact, more than 70 percent of young people say they have seen bullying in their schools, according to www.stopbullying.gov.

Not only can bullying cause physical injury and social and emotional distress, it can lead to anincreased risk for depression, loneliness and anxiety. Kids who are bullied are also more likely to experience changes in sleeping and eating patterns, as well as decreased academic achievement and school participation.

As parents, we want to do all we can to protect our children from being a target of or engaging in bullying behaviors — and the best way to do that is to stay informed.

Bullying education and prevention resources

We want what is best for our children, but we might feel powerless and overwhelmed when it comes to bullying. That’s why Children’s Wisconsin is proud to offer a free online bullying education and prevention resources for parents of children in grades K4 through high school called Act Now! What Parents Need to Know About Bullying.

The user-friendly tool features a series of short video-based segments that include information on a variety of bullying topics tailored to your child’s age group. This resource offers information for every parent, whether your child is currently dealing with a bullying situation or if you just want to learn a little more about how to talk to your child before it becomes an issue.

Some of the topics you will see in this program include:

• What to do if your child is being bullied or is bullying others
• How to protect your child from cyberbullying
• How to build your child’s resiliency
• How to contact your child’s school
• What are the anti-bullying laws and policies you should know

You may think bullying isn’t an issue for your family, but the sad truth is that bullying can affect all children, whether they are the target of bullying, a witness to bullying or exhibit bullying behaviors. Any of these situations can make it harder for them to learn, grow, develop and succeed.

Take some time and visit ParentsActNow.com to explore all that it has to offer. You’re the best advocate for your child, so the more you know, the more able you are to help them as they build their own life story.

Clay Anton E-Learning Consultant Children’s Wisconsin

Children's Wisconsin is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. In Milwaukee and throughout the state, we provide kids and their families a wide range of care and support — everything from routine care for ear aches or sore throats to life saving advances and treatment options.