How to address bullying with school back in session
Going back to school can be challenging for students, especially for those being bullied.
El Paso Children's Hospital Licensed Professional Counselor Michelle Barron says bullying hasn't declined — but in fact, cyber bullying has alarmingly increased due to how much access children have online, in school and after school.
Barron says about 58% of children in the U.S. have reported cyber bullying at some point.
She says it can be cruel, from comments, posts and now AI deepfakes.
But, kids can be hesitant to report bullying.
Barron says parents should be on the lookout if they stop wanting to go to school or notice any sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or, if you start noticing anxiety and depression.
Here's why she says to never ignore any changes.
"When we brush these off, sometimes I hear parents say 'Well, bullying is just kind of a rite of passage or all kids have to go through this,'" says Barron. "I understand that there are some social things that kids need to learn to work through. But when children are left to their own devices, that can lead to very serious consequences, leads to self-harm. It can lead to suicidal ideations, it could lead to substance abuse."
Barron says parents can respect their kids privacy but have to be involved in what they're seeing on social media or gaming platforms and have their kids feel safe enough to talk to them.
EPCH not only sits down with kids being bullied, but even those who are bullies.
She says they do more than what school districts can and evaluate kids and use intensive therapeutic approaches to get to the core of the aggression.
But, here's what you can do at home.
"I think that's one of the biggest mistakes that we make as parents when it comes to internet. There shouldn't be privacy, especially when it comes to our little ones, our teens. Make sure that you're asking for those passwords. Make sure that you're saying 'Let me see who you're talking to,' because even games that our little kids play —Roblox — have access to chats."
If you're being bullied, she says find someone you trust — a teacher, counselor, pediatrician, or parent — whichever adult that you feel comfortable with.
