October is “Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.” While bullying may be reported in any environment and among any demographic, the greatest focus on the threat of bullying is often aimed at school age children who are many times the victims of bullying while at school or perhaps with peers after the school day ends, officials from Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System said.
"By definition bullying represents a pattern of aggressive behavior in which one person or youth, if the term is applied to students, inflicts or threatens to inflict harm against another who is believed to be incapable of defending him or herself.
"These attacks may be verbal or physical, but in any event they are targeted against one specific individual and may be launched by a single individual or group of individuals," officials said.
During the month of October a number of groups, including school organizations and government agencies, are participating in what has been recognized for ten years as “Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.”
"Not just in the U.S. but around the word this observance takes place as a reminder that bullying is a threat to young and old and is especially a concern to students in the classroom.
"There are a number of different roles related to bullying. A youth may be the victim or the one being bullied. He or she may be the one bullying another or participating with a group that's bullying another. Or one may be a witness to a situation in which bullying is present.
"While bullying in the past was considered harmless and just part of what was regarded as the experience of "growing up," the topic in recent years has become one of major concern because of the devastating consequences that can result.
"Recent research has unveiled that bullying can have significant short term and long term effects on those who are victimized.
"The impact of bullying can be reflected in a student’s performance in the classroom as well as in his or her social life outside of regular school activities.
"A victim of bullying may find it hard to focus on studies, struggle with sleep, suffer from low self-esteem, be challenged by lingering depression, or be in fear of physical abuse.
"Bullying can also cause a victim to seek self isolation and contemplation of self inflicted harm or suicide.
"Parents should be especially watchful for signs of bullying, sensitive to their child's routines, his or her friends, social activities, and change in certain personality traits or attitude.
"There are a number of options available to deal with bullying. There are administrative actions that can be taken through the schools. There are laws that prohibit bullying that are enforced by local law enforcement agencies. And there are also counseling services available to help deal with the many issues connected to bullying," officials said.
For more information about bullying, how bullying may impact you child, or to learn about what counseling services are available regarding this subject, call Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System at 1-877-567-6051, or visit www.vbhcs.org.