How can I protect my child from bullying?

Whether your child notified you of this problem or you suspect it on your own, bullying is a crisis that requires parent intervention. Unfortunately, national surveys indicate that bullying has become widespread in schools across the country. A bully can turn every day activities into a nightmare for kids. It can also leave deep emotional scars that can last for life and cause many problems.

If your child is being bullied, there are ways to help him or her cope with it on a day-to-day basis and lessen its lasting impact. Even if bullying is not an issue right now, it is important to discuss it so your kids will be prepared if it does happen.

In the Jewish Community:

Many parents believe that by sending their children to Yeshivos and Bais Yaakov schools, they are able to avoid the problem of bullying. This, however, is an enormous misconception. There is not a single school, Jewish or not, that does not encounter bullying. If your child is being bullied, you are not alone. It is likely that this bully is terrorizing most of the class or school, and not just your child.

Use the following links to educate yourself about bullies and bullying. Learn how to prevent bullying and stop it once bullying occurs.

Frequently Asked Links:

What defines bullying? more

General information about bullying

Why do kids bully?

How often does bullying occur? more

By Rabbi Yakov Horowitz

Does bullying occur with teenagers?

What are some of the effects of bullying?

What are some possible warning signs that a child is being bullied?

How can my child learn to deal with a bully? more more

How can I help my child deal with a bully? more more

Where can I find children’s books about bullies and bullying?

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Resources

Stop Bullying Now

http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.asp?area=main

A user-friendly website dedicated to stop bullying.

Kids Against Bullying

http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/?gclid=CN6w3vnp_pQCFQRJFQod5VhbrQ

A website for kids to prevent bullying

National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
http://www.nmha.org
NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research, and service.

Tolerance.org
http://www.tolerance.org
Tolerance.org encourages people from all lifestyles to fight hate and promote tolerance.

Anti-Defamation League
http://www.adl.org
The mission of this organization is to fight anti-Semitism and bigotry of all kinds.

National PTA
http://www.pta.org
The National PTA encourages parental involvement in public schools.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
http://www.aap.org
The AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.

Center for the Prevention of School Violence
http://www.cpsv.org
Established in 1993, the center serves as a resource center for dealing with school violence.

American Psychological Association (APA)
http://www.apa.org
The APA provides information and education about a variety of mental health issues for people of all ages.

National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center (NYVPRC)
http://www.safeyouth.org
NYVPRC was established as a central source of information on prevention and intervention programs, publications, research, and statistics on violence committed by and against children and teens. Call: (866) SAFEYOUTH

U.S. Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov
This government site offers advice, links, homework help, and information for parents, teachers, and students.

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
http://www.nasponline.org
The mission of the NASP is to promote educationally and psychologically healthy environments for all children and youth by implementing research-based programs that prevent problems, enhance independence, and promote optimal learning.