Health and Bullying

Health and Bullying

Parents and Providers

Bullying is a public health issue. It brings greatest concerns for many children in America. 1 in 5 kids in 2015 from ages 12-18 had reported being bullied during the year of being in school. This is billions of kids being impacted across the U.S. Bullying can how children develop, socialize with one another, educate, and even there mental and physical well beings. The kids who are bullying are more likely to get into physical fights at school. 

Bullying and Cyberbullying Effects on Children

Bullying can happen through electronics which is known as cyberbullying and bullying happens when in person. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullying-definitions-final-a.pdf.

Bullying is the process of when someone purposely bullies someone with unwanted and aggressive behavior. Also can be typically to force someone to do what they want them to do because they have they power to influence, manipulate, and or intimidate them to do so.  This happens between school aged children that involves having uncontrollable amount of power. Bullying is usually repeated  and lasts over time. This can have major effects on a child. 

In the Past bullying was a right of passage but know after studies it has shown that there are effects on the mental health and well-being of kids who are bullied. Even though bullying is not the main cause for suicide it can be a risk factor. This is the second leading cause of death for kids 12-25 of age. For this reason bullying prevention is being forced within the education system and other places children get bullied like after school activities. 

All children are able to get bullied but some are at a higher risk. This includes children of the disabled, under or overweight, shy, of lower income families, and anything else that other kids might perceive as being different. 

Common Symptoms from being bullied. 

Chest Pain

Staying Asleep or tying to fall asleep. 

Upset Stomach or Pain

Headaches.

Bed-Wetting

• 
  Dizziness.
• Physical Symptoms that can't be explained. 

Healthcare Provider Roles 

A healthcare provider may be an important allie in determining if a child is being bullied or why the bullying is being surfaced. Parents can be noticed by providers if they believe there child is being bullied and what symptoms to watch out for and even the signs. If the bullying is continuing the child may become depressed and it might affect other aspects of there life. They can refer help to the child if needed. 

Usually parents are the one to notice shifts in their child's behavior. The child may talk less than usual, not socialize as much, and or struggle even academically. Noticing the behaviors can open for conversation that's the first step to intervene. 

Sometimes parents will not notices changes within there child and that they are being bullied. If a parent believe there child is depressed then they can take the to a health care provider to see if they are being targeted. 

The provider will ask the child questions if they believe they are being bullied. They will see if they have a teacher or someone they trust that they can go to and talk to. When it comes to bullying counselors are there to talk and might be there right away. 

The most important thing is if your child's behavior is shifting they should be able to reach out for help. 

Steps to take to prevent and take care of children in cases of bullying.

• Recognize that there are changes within your child.
• Make sure to ask questions.
• Seek help. 

Sources:

“Bullying and Pediatricians.” StopBullying.gov, Department of Health and Human Services, www.stopbullying.gov/research-resources/bullying-and-pediatricians/index.html.