In a study conducted by StopBullying.gov, “about 49% of children in grades 4–12 reported being bullied by other students at school at least once during the past month, whereas 30.8% reported bullying others during that time.”* From a very young age, we need to help our children understand and STAND against bullying.

Bullying is defined by StopBullying.gov as an “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” Bullying is not limited to a specific age group. MVP Kids is dedicated to equipping children and parents with ways to handle all kind of bullying situations from the bullied to the bully.

* “Facts About Bullying.” StopBullying.gov, www.stopbullying.gov/media/facts/index.html.

Be aware of the children who are at risk for being bullied:
-Shy or quiet
-Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, mental disabilities
-Over/underweight
-Sexual orientation
-Speak a different language at home

Signs your child is being bullied
-Depression
-Anxiety
-Decreased Appetite
-Unexplained bruises or cuts
-Mood Swings
-Nightmares
-Not wanting to go to school, park, or place where the bullying is happening
-Exhibiting aggressive behaviors toward others

What parents can do:
-Take what they say seriously, but don’t overreact
-Help them understand that it is not their fault they are being bullied and they don’t deserve to be treated disrespectfully
-Try to come up with peaceful ways to resolve the bullying
-If the bullying is occurring at school, contact school authorities to help handle the bullying problem

For more resources on how to rebuild your child’s self-esteem after bullying, ways to empower kids against bullying, and creating a bully-free environment at home, click here:

Be aware of the children who are at risk for bullying others. They may:
-Lack empathy or compassion
-Have conflict at home
-View media filled with violence and aggressive behavior
-Lack problem-solving skills

Signs your child is bullying others:
-Trouble sleeping
-Doesn’t understand other’s emotions
-Display frustration, anxiety, or depression
-Behavior problems at school
-Only focused on being in control or being popular

What parents can do:
-Acknowledge your child’s behavior
-Don’t overreact, but take it seriously
-Try to find the underlying emotional issues
-Take it one step at a time
-Involve teachers and other school authorities

For more resources on sibling bullying, conflict resolution skills, and helping the child who bullies, click here: 

Effects of witnessing bullying:

According to recent studies, children who witness bullying can suffer just as much mental harm as children who are bullied. This is due to the fear, anxiety, and guilt that is experienced from witnessing someone harm another person.

Signs your child has witnessed bullying:
-Depression
-Anxiety
-Decreased Appetite
-Nightmares
-Trouble sleeping

What parents can do:
Talk with your child about what they should do if they see someone bullying another person. This should involve telling an adult and speaking up if the situation is safe.

For more resources on the effects of witnessing bullying, empathy exercises, and extracurricular activities to encourage self-confidence and standing against bullying, click here: 

Download a copy of our STAND Pledge for your child to make the choice to put an end to bullying by taking a STAND.

Encourage your child to say the pledge aloud and then share with someone how your child has decided to STAND against bullying.