On top of having to deal with the usual growing pains of developing brains and bodies, many kids and teens also have to cope with repeated aggressive behavior from their peers.
The serious lasting consequences of bullying, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and even suicide, can affect not only the victims of bullying, but also the perpetrators.
Parents have a huge role in preventing or stopping bullying when they know it’s happening, but that’s not always easy because kids often avoid talking about it out of embarrassment or fear.
To build the foundation for a strong, trusting relationship, experts recommend parents spend 15 minutes a day engaged in conversation with their children. This can really be a challenge for parents when the usual “what did you do in school today?” is no longer doing the trick. That’s where a new mobile app developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can help parents get the conversation started.
The KnowBullying app, available free for both iPhones and Androids, provides tips on talking about school, work, relationships, life, and bullying, and includes:
- Warning signs to look out for
- Advice from others
- Access to bullying prevention resources
- Reminders to talk with your child
Go to www.stopbullying.gov to learn more and download the KnowBullying app today.