October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence takes many forms. One of these forms is bullying.

The following article focuses on what parents should know about bullying. For more information talk to your school or call the Crime Victim’s Crisis Center at 377-5460

Bullying is a common experience for many children and adolescents. Surveys indicate that as many as half of all children are bullied at some time during their school year, and at least 10 percent are bullied on a regular basis.

Bullying behavior can be physical or verbal. Boys tend to use physical intimidation or threats, regardless of the gender of their victims. Bullying by girls is more often verbal, usually with another girl as the target. Recently, bullying has been reported in online chat rooms and through

E-mail.

Children and adolescents who bully thrive on controlling or dominating others. They have often been the victims of physical abuse or bullying themselves. Bullies may also be depressed, angry or upset about events at school or home. Children targeted by bullies also tend to fit a particular profile. Bullies often choose children who are passive, easily intimidated, or have few friends. Victims may also be smaller or younger, and have a harder time defending themselves.

If you suspect your child may be the victim of bullying ask him or her to tell you what’s going on. You can help by providing lots of opportunities to talk with you in an open and honest way.

It’s also important to respond in a positive and accepting manner. Let your child know it’s not his or her fault, and that he or she did the right thing by telling you.

Other specific suggestions include the following:

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Ask your child what he or she thinks should be done. What’s already been tried? What worked and what didn’t?

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Seek help from your child’s teacher or school guidance counselor.

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Ask your school administrators to find out about programs other schools and communities have used to help combat bullying.

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Don’t encourage your child to fight back. Instead, suggest that he or she try to walking away to avoid the bully, or that they seek help from a teacher, coach, or other adult.

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Help your child practice what to say to the bully so he or she will be prepared the next time.

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Help your child practice being assertive. The simple act of insisting that the bully leave him or her alone may have a surprising effect. Explain to your child that the bully’s true goal is to get a response.

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Encourage your child to be with friends when traveling back and forth from school, during shopping trips, or on other outings. Bullies are less likely to pick on a child in a group.

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If your child becomes withdrawn, depressed or reluctant to go to school, or if you see a decline in school performance, additional consultation or intervention may be required. Seeking professional assistance early can lessen the risk of lasting emotional consequences for your child.

Crime Victim Crisis Center staff.

References: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.