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Bullying Anxiety
September 25, 2008 |
Many people used to look at bullying as a rite of passage through childhood. But
now research shows bullying can have major social, educational, psychological,
and health effects on children. Dr. Thomas Schiller is a pediatrician with Lee
Memorial Health System. He says, “It’s something that can have an enormous
impact for the rest of the child’s life.”
Dr. Schiller treats many children for anxiety or attention disorders. But
sometimes an exam leads him to believe bullying is at the root of a child’s
symptoms. “The child was brought in for evaluation of attention deficit disorder
and school failure. Through the course of all the questioning, I asked the child
if there is somebody who’s bothering you at school the child just broke down in
tears.”
Pediatricians say symptoms of bullying typically include anxiety and depression.
It’s also common for a child to refuse to go to school or have declining grades.
“Certainly the child should have an opportunity for counseling if it’s really
affecting them a lot.” One of the most important things a parent can do is
listen to their children and be considerate and calm if the subject of bullying
ever comes up. “Try to support your child’s feelings, don’t blow them off. Don’t
dismiss these feelings because they’re very real.”
Research shows that more than 50% of children will experience bullying at some
point during their schooling. Thanks to new technology that percentage will
probably be on the rise. Cyber bullying and other forms of electronic violence
and harassment are now more common among kids and teenagers. |
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