By: Rondell Howard

Bullying is carried out in many forms, which include embarrassment, harassment, name-calling, exclusion, threats, teasing, cyberbullying, intimidation and more. We can all imagine how it feels to be a victim of such aggression. The emotions are unwelcome and often the sufferer is left feeling humiliated by those using intimidation tactics against them. It may be obvious to tell your child to be strong under such pressure that you hope will soon pass for them but it may be more difficult for your child exhibit that strength under the strain of peer ridicule and the unique demands placed upon them while adjusting to the new school year. 

Signs of bullying can take on many forms including anxiety when speaking about school, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping or nightmares, sudden illness prompting sick days away from school, or decreased self-esteem. Keep the lines of communication open with your children and talk to them often about their days at school, their friends and their daily experiences. Encourage them to do the things they love, the things that, as a parent, you know makes them smile and boosts their confidence. There are many resources for parents that assist in identifying and understanding bullying as well as responding to such behavior. Two websites are stompoutbullying.org and stopbullying.gov.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. This year Menlo Park will join forces with our longtime partner, Kuk Sool Won, to help promote awareness about bullying. The campaign unites communities around the world to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. Throughout the month, Child Development Center’s will gear their programs toward this issue and Oct. 25 all city departments will be encourage to join by wearing orange.