A recent survey commissioned by Care.com reveals that the biggest fear of parents of children aged 12-17 is neither terrorism nor kidnapping, it’s bullying. In the wake of the Rutgers University tragedy, bullying (especially cyber-bullying) has been in the limelight. Since then, three out of four parents are monitoring their children’s cell phone and Internet usage.
Supervising children’s electronic communication isn’t always effective, and communicating with teenagers and preteens can be challenging. Instead of being overprotective, tap into community organizations, groups and nonprofits that are already helping parents tackle this challenge.
The It Gets Better Project started after the recent media spotlight on the numerous cases of suicide among youth in the LGBT community. This effort has created a forum for LGBT adults to speak out to the youth suffering in their communities and let them know that it truly does get better.
Celebrities, students and even President Barack Obama (see video below) have gotten involved in the It Gets Better Project by creating YouTube videos and sending positive messages to those afflicted by bullies.
Stop Bullying Now is a government-sponsored program that offers students and parents resources to combat intimidators. They offer sound advice and are a great springboard to start the conversation with kids. The group offers a step-by-step guideline for parents to start an anti-bullying campaign in their own school community.
No Bully is a San Francisco-based, nonprofit organization with a “vision to create learning communities where students integrate the pursuit of their individual potential with care and compassion for all other beings. This experience empowers students to create communities in their adult lives where diverse peoples successfully come together to work, learn and play.” They are licensed psychiatrists and therapists who run workshops throughout the state for school administrators to ensure their campuses are bully-free.
If your child is being bullied, or if your child is the bully, there is a concerned community ready and willing to get you and them the help they need. There’s no need to live in fear; it really does get better.
Learn what to do if your child is being bullied here.
Photo by Eddie~S via Flickr.
