SAFE IN 60
Safe in 60: Tips From Salt Lake Police On How To Stop Bullying
Sep 17, 2018, 7:00 AM | Updated: 8:10 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – We send our kids off to school and hope they are safe from harm, but what if you think your child is the victim? Here are some tips on how to stop bullying from the Salt Lake Police Department.
While bullying is an age-old problem, over the years with technology it has become much more pervasive. Studies show the effects of bullying can cause depression, aggression and even suicide in today’s youth.
Utah laws designed to stop bullying
There are Utah state laws and policies against bullying, cyber bullying, hazing, abusive conduct and retaliation.
If there may be a bullying problem at your child’s school, take efforts to stop it immediately. Early intervention is extremely important for long term prevention. Notify a teacher, school administrator or school resource officer. You can also report it in the Safe UT app. That gives parents and youth a safe, two-way communication with counselors at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute. Administrators and school resource officers should be notified of problems at their school.
Teach your child that bullying is wrong. It’s not just physical aggression. It can also be emotionally challenging, unrelenting teasing and cyberbullying.
Talk to your child about bullying
It’s important to keep lines of communication open with your child, so they will talk to you if they are having problems. Reassure them that they can talk to you about anything. When they do, listen.
Ask your child detailed questions to get them started, such as who they sat by at lunch or who they played with at recess.
Here are signs that may indicate your child is being bullied:
- Changes in appetite
- Frequent sick days
- Isolation
- Loss of sleep
- Exclusion from social activities
- Suffering grades
- Missing personal items
- Avoidance (missing the bus on purpose or taking different routes to schools to avoid bullying)
- Tendency to self-harm
- Unexplained injuries
Bullying is never okay and should not be committed or tolerated by anyone. Report it immediately if a friend, sibling or your child is being bullied.
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