Children’s health: Talk to your children about bullying before school begins

As your family prepares for everything fall has to offer, much of it involves the return of the school routine. This year, however, make sure you tackle the tough issue of bullying with your children.

Childhood bullying is a pressing issue in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly one in every five students ages 12-18 experiences bullying during a school year. It can cause lasting harm, both physically and emotionally, and elicit anxiety, depression, substance use and relationship difficulties for a person’s entire life.

When educating your children about bullying, communication is always the first step. Parents must foster a safe and trusting environment where children can express their concerns, experiences and fears without being judged or reprimanded.

After establishing open communication, role playing can be an effective tool. Act out different scenarios with your child where they’re being bullied or witnessing bullying. This will help them handle these situations when they occur. Teaching them to stay calm, communicate directly and be as confident as possible can be helpful.

“In this age of social media and immediate access, it’s incredibly difficult to protect our children, and it’s imperative we teach them how to handle being bullied and to stand up when they see others affected,” said Cecelia Horan, Psy.D, the director of child and adolescent outpatient services at Ascension Illinois Behavioral Health.

“Children are very observant, learning much about interpersonal behaviors from what they see their parents do. Being kind ourselves, showing empathy, being confident and genuine and demonstrating how to handle conflicts in a healthy and productive way are the best strategies to teach children how to manage difficult and uncomfortable situations.”

If you are worried that your child is being bullied, make an honest attempt to learn what is really going on at school so that you can take the appropriate steps to rectify the situation. Most importantly, let your child know you will help them and that they should try not to fight back.

Some of the more subtle signs that your child is being bullied include: a hesitation about going to school, a decreased appetite, regular nightmares, regular crying, or a generally anxious personality.

If you are worried that your child may be the aggressor in a bullying case, it is imperative that you make your home a “bully-free” zone and approach the behavior as quickly as possible. Educate your child about bullying and acquire a better understanding about where their behavior is coming from through communication.

Remember, parents empower their children, and are able to readily prepare them with the tools and strategies they need to not only combat bullies, but also to build healthy relationships and create a more supportive, inclusive and positive environment for all.

• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ascension Illinois.