Simply put, bullying is a behavior that scares or harms another person on purpose and the person being bullied has a hard time defending himself or herself. Bullying usually happens over and over. Through Highmark Healthy High 5, the Highmark Foundation is focusing attention on how this growing health epidemic is hurting our children and adolescents, and we're helping to find solutions.
Bullying among kids can cause both physical and emotional harm, whether it is directed at others through physical behavior, verbal exchanges or through cyberspace such as e-mails, text messages or blogs.
Children who are bullied can develop a poor self-image, become depressed, avoid school, or even carry weapons for protection. And kids who bully are at risk for problems in school and later in life.
We urge you to take the time to talk to our kids about bullying. Talk with your child's teachers and school officials, too. It's important to have an open dialogue with your kids so that problems can be identified and proper channels can be used to reach solutions.
On the pages of this Tackle Bullying section, Highmark Healthy High 5 provides tips for parents and others to use to join the effort to tackle bullying. The section has the following pages:
Resources
Take the Time. Talk to Your Kids. Tackle Bullying provides information and resources to help parents, schools and others tackle bullying. See more resources.
Tips for Parents