Originally published at Orange County Catholic
HAS YOUR CHILD SHARED that they are being picked on at school? While some may minimize this as a learning experience that “toughens you up,” others will react as a “momma bear or papa bear” to protect their child. The reality is that an ongoing being “picked” on may be bullying. Bullying has consequences that negatively impact our youth. And this now includes the cyber realm which can be even more challenging. Often parents find themselves incorrectly thinking: “not my child.”
SHARON ST. PIERRE, CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF NEW HOPE COUNSELING SERVICES, A PROGRAM OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY, SITS ON A BENCH WHICH WAS INSTALLED IN MAY ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS THAT WILL SERVE THE IMPORTANT CAUSE OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS. THE BENCH IS PART OF THE GREEN BENCH OC – PROMISE TO TALK CAMPAIGN. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
New Hope Counseling reports an increase of “bullying” like behaviors that are impacting the self-esteem of students of ages kinder through eighth grade. Students show higher numbers in coping through isolation, excessive worry negatively impacting their concentration, anger outbursts, poor grades and in worse case scenarios, self-harm.
The Center for Disease Control defines bullying as, “unwanted
