Bullying in our schools and neighborhoods used to be limited to the playground. Now, cyberbullying has become a different type of “playground” for tormenting vulnerable children. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and there are two critical questions on the table:
How bad is the problem?
The most common reasons for bullying are based on physical appearance, race, disability and sexual orientation. Many of our children are scared to go to school. They lie about episodes of bullying, fearing retribution. Approximately 64% of our children who are bullied do not report it. They are not talking to the adults closest to them about it. Because of their fears, they are often severely depressed and their grades and social relationships suffer.
What can we do about it?
We cannot just wear a bracelet or t-shirt to show that we care. We need to talk about it, impose restrictions on phones and even check website histories, texts and emails. Parents need to ask tough questions, engage in difficult conversations and intervene before it’s too late.
Bullying can be identified and stopped. This is how children’s’ lives can be saved.
About the author:
Richard Schwamm is a trial lawyer for the Fort Lauderdale-based firm Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm, and a child injury lawyer and advocate. He has spoken at public and private schools, as well as at the International Child Injury Prevention and Safety Symposium sponsored by the Children’s Safety Village of Central Florida and Safe Kids Worldwide. He can be reached at rschwamm@hpslegal.com.
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Orlando, Florida 32801
Telephone: (407) 841-9866
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