Crime Prevention Tips - Bullying
Bullying has become a problem all throughout the United States in every age category. Parents are encouraged to read the following facts and tips regarding bullying in an effort to help recognize if their children could be potential victims. If you feel that your child is being bullied at school, contact your child's school immediately to report the problem. If you feel that the situation has grown to or is already a criminal matter, contact the Munster Police Department at 836-6600. With the help of parents, we can work towards curbing the threat of bullying in our community's schools.
FACTS ABOUT BULLYING
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It is estimated that approximately 1/3 of children are bullied at least once a month.
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An estimated 60% of children witness bullying every day at school.
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Children are often bullied because of a perceived difference between them and others including appearance, religion, intellect, or ethnic background.
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A study found that nearly 60% of boys that researchers classified as bullies in grades 6-9 were convicted of at least one crime by the age of 24, while 40% had 3 or more convictions.
PREVENTION
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If your child tells you that they are being bullied, take it seriously. If you don't, they won't tell you about it again and it could become even more dangerous. Thank them for letting you know about it and tell them that you will take action immediately.
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Talk to your child's teacher, social worker, or principal about the bullying in an effort to come up with a fast course of action. Do not confront the parents of the bully directly if the situation is taking place at school, at least not at first.
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Ask your child specific questions about the bullying incidents. Obtain as much information as possible and find out if there are more victims.
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Encourage your child to be assertive, and to express their needs and feelings clearly without shouting or becoming aggressive.
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Provide opportunities for your child to make friends by enrolling them in activities that they are interested in and encouraging them to reach out to other positive influences.
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Go over bullying behaviors with your child and teach them to recognize them. These include hitting, damaging possessions, threatening, name calling, embarrasing others, name calling, and excluding others from the group.
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Teach your child how to deal with a bully. Tell them to politely ask them to stop, to walk away, and to let a trusted adult know what is occurring.
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Teach your child what to do if they see someone being bullied. Tell them to walk the other child away, invite them to play with them instead, and to help them find a trusted adult if necessary.
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Tell your child that you will not tolerate bullying behavior. If you feel that your child has been bullying other children, work with your child's teacher, social worker, or principal to try and curb the behavior.
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Ask your children who they are playing with, eating with, and spending time with before, during, or after school.
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Be aware of behavior changes in your child that could signal that something is wrong. If you sense something is wrong, let your child know that you are there for them to listen.
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Be a positive role model for your children, and show them how others are supposed to be treated.
For more information on ways to prevent bullying please contact Officer James Ghrist, D.A.R.E./Crime Prevention Officer, at 219-836-6639 or jghrist@munster.org.
National Crime Prevention Council Website
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