As summer comes to an end, parents nationwide are busy preparing their children for the new school year. Although the dread of returning to the classroom lurks in the minds of many students, parents may be unaware that for some, homework is not the main concern. In reality, apprehension may come from the common fear of school bullies.

According to the United States Department of Justice, as many as 160,000 children skip school each day as a result of bullying. Additionally, nearly a third of students grades 6-10, or about 5.7 million children, have experienced some form of bullying at school. While this can be dismissed as a “fact of life,” a growing awareness of its adverse and potentially long-term effects has brought attention to the prevention and treatment of bullying victims.

Bullying occurs across all geographic, racial and socioeconomic boundaries. It takes on a variety of forms from the classic hitting, punching, teasing or name-calling to social exclusion or emotional bullying. A more modern example includes cyber bullying, which involves sending threatening or insulting messages via phone or computer. This is why, with so many different forms of bullying, it is crucial that parents help their children by learning behavioral signs as well as strategies to deal with bullying if and when it occurs.

The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, a non-profit mental health resource serving children, teenagers and their families, offers the following tips to help cope with the realities of bullying:

• Be proactive when talking to your child – Questioning what seems to be a minor incident may uncover underlying issues. Often, children are afraid or ashamed to tell anyone that they have been bullied. Be empathetic and be sure to not place blame on the child or assume that they are provoking the bullying.
  
  
• Lend an open ear – Encourage children to talk about school, social events, and other students. Be supportive while gathering information in order to identify any potential problems.
  
  
• Support confident and sociable behavior – It is important children know how to walk confidently, stay alert to their environment, and verbally stand up for themselves without violent words or actions. It is important to stress to children physical retaliation will not solve the problem. Children with a circle of friends that provide support are less likely to be bullied. Encourage your child to be friendly with children outside of school.
  
  
• Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities – Sports can boost self confidence, teach teamwork and provide structure. If your child is not athletically inclined, activities such as martial arts can have positive effects without demanding high athleticism.
  After-school activities afford children the opportunity to meet outside of the classroom.

“Bullying is a wide-spread problem that not only affects the victims of bullying but the bullies themselves,” said Dr. Deborah Matthews, Director of Crisis Services and Crime Victims/
Community Policing Programs at the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut.
“The best protection and prevention parents can offer their child is an environment that fosters confidence, builds self esteem and teaches the importance of respecting others.”