It’s sad but true. Studies
have repeatedly found that children with disabilities are 2-3 times more likely
to be bullied than their non-disabled peers. Now that school is back in
session, and the 10th anniversary of National Bullying Prevention
Month is approaching, it’s incumbent upon teachers, therapists and parents to
be on the lookout for signs that their student, son or daughter is being
bullied.
Once viewed as a universal rite of passage, in recent years,
the destructive impact of bullying is finally receiving the attention it
deserves. In fact, according to the Center
for Disease Control, “students
who are bullied are more likely to experience low self-esteem and isolation,
perform poorly in school, have few friends in school, have a negative view of
school, experience physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, or
problems sleeping), and to experience mental health issues (such as depression,
suicidal thoughts, and anxiety.”
Compounding the
effects of bullying, are today’s social media platforms. In past generations,
children who were bullied at school for instance, might find refuge in their
homes. But the prevalence of cyber-bullying, and the 24 hour nature of digital
communication means that victims of bullying may find themselves with no place
to hide.
While some
children and teens will let you know they are being bullied, others may not,
either because they are ashamed, afraid of how you will handle the situation,
or simply because their disability makes it difficult for them to perceive that
they are being bullied. Stomp Out Bullying suggests parents be on the look out for
the following signs that their children may be experiencing bullying.
·
Torn or
missing clothes, books, etc.
·
Has
unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches
·
Has
few, if any friends, with whom he or she spends time
·
Seems
afraid of going to school, walking to and from school, riding the school bus,
or taking part in organized activities with peers
·
Finds
or makes up excuses as to why they can’t go to school
·
Takes a
long out of the way route when walking to or from school
·
Has
lost interest in school work or suddenly begins to do poorly in school
·
Appears
sad, moody, teary, or depressed when he or she comes home
·
Complains
frequently of headaches, stomachaches or other physical ailments
·
Has
trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams
·
Experiences
a loss of appetite
·
Appears
anxious and suffers from low self-esteem
If you determine that your child is the victim of
bullying, here’s a list of dos and don’ts from Stop Bullying.Gov.
Do:
·
Listen
and be supportive
·
Tell
your child’s teacher immediately
·
Ask
questions to learn as much about the situation as possible
·
Assure
your child that he or she is not to blame for being bullied
·
Request
a meeting with your child’s IEP or Section 504 team to discuss the situation
and to secure any additional services your child may require
·
Ask the
child what you and others can do to make him or her feel safe
·
Create
a plan for how you and your child’s teacher and other school personnel can work
together to keep your child safe
·
Keep
a record of all communications between you and your child’s school in writing
·
Keep
following up with your child to make sure that bullying has stopped
·
If
you are not satisfied that your child’s teacher or school is taking the
necessary steps to stop the bullying, visit StopBullying.gov to explore your legal rights
Don’t:
·
Encourage
him or her to fight back
·
Blame
the child
·
Tell
him or her that they should stop tattling
·
Tell
him or her to just ignore the bullying
Many of these
suggestions can also be useful for teachers when students are the victims of
bullying.
For more information about National Bullying Prevention
Month 2016, visit Stomp
Out Bullying.org.
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