Ohio's Three-Step Plan to Stopping Bullying

Since Columbine, bullying has received national attention. Bullying takes place everyday in schools throughout the country. Learning that their children are being bullied can devastate parents. Feelings of bewilderment, fright, sadness, guilt, anger, and helplessness result. While parents must deal with these feelings, they must also deal with changing the situation.

Parents should realize they are not alone. One survey found that 29 percent of 15,000 students surveyed from grades six through ten reported moderate to frequent involvement in bullying. In Ohio, 25 percent of students have considered suicide and an alarming 10 percent of students have attempted suicide. Bullying occurs most often with children in grades six through eight.

Bullies prey on their victims using physical, verbal, and psychological techniques. Boys prefer to bully their victims using physical and techniques. On the other hand, girl bullies prefer psychological techniques such as spreading false rumors. Victims tell of suffering from loneliness, insecurity, low self-esteem, and an inability to get and keep friendships. Often, the suffering carries over into adulthood in the form of depression and other mental health problems.

Some basic action parents in Ohio can take to help a bullied child include:

1. Confirm the bullying: A difference exists between normal childhood conflicts and bullying. Bullying involves hurtful, intentional, and repetitive acts against a child. Generally, a perceived imbalance of power exists between bullies and victims. Some signs to look for include fear of school, a lack of friends, anxiety, fear, and changes in temperament. Start discussions with children to uncover possible bullying. Keep in mind that shame or fear might stop children from bringing their problems with bullying to their parents attention.
2. Teach children how to deal with bullying: Parents can teach their children several techniques to deal with bullying. Techniques include telling bullies to stop, avoiding situations that provide bullying opportunities, and associating more with classmates and friends to build their social network. In addition, since children involved in group activities experience less bullying, encouraging children to take part in group activities can be helpful.
3. Work with teachers and administrators: Ohio school districts must comply with one of the strictest bullying laws in the country. All Ohio districts, including Dayton Ohio, Greene County, Franklin County, Montgomery County, but not limited to, must publish and carry out an antibullying plan. Parents should notify schools in writing of their children's bullying problems. Further, parents should follow up with schools to ensure problems have been resolved. Parents should also consider becoming active in schools by joining organizations such as the Parent Teachers Association.

Parents must diligently look for signs of bullying in children. Failure to deal with bullying may result in irreparable damage to children. Ohio law requires schools to have a plan in place to deal with bullying issues. Parents should use their parenting skills and diplomacy skills with the law to ensure bullies do not harm their children. A well-equipped and diligent parent can solve any bullying problems.