How conversations with children can help prevent bullying
JOPLIN, Mo. — Medical experts say the key to stopping bullying involves having a conversation with your children.
"The majority of bullying, statistically speaking, happens in person," said Dr. Kara Reed, child psychiatrist, Ozark Center.
Dr. Kara Reed says when it comes to schools, that means....
"Specifically, the hallways and stairwells," said Reed.
Dr. Reed says studies have shown bullying tends to peak in the 12-14 year old age group.
"About sixth through eighth grade. I think it's close to 25 percent of those kiddos describe bullying at some point during those years," said Reed.
And drops to around 20 percent by high school.
"There are so many factors that go into why some kids may be more vulnerable to the impact of bullying," said Reed.
Dr. Reed says bullying can lead to a child struggling with handling rejection, adversity, and anxiety.
But it's not just the victim that's left suffering.
"If you think of a kiddo bullying, those are kids that may feel empty inside, or have lots of anger, and this is really sort of a secondary emotion coming from an underlying struggle that may not be recognized," said Reed.
She says the first step is to talk to your child about bullying, and involve other adults... by letting your kids know it's OK to tell their teacher.
It can even help get the person doing the bullying.
"And so it does make sense to ensure that those actually doing the bullying are able to get support and help and/or treatment, if it's appropriate, and often it is," said Reed.
