Signs of Bullying

Verbal, physical, and cyberbullying are ugly, and all too common.

Here are some alarming facts.

Nearly 71% of children have witnessed bullying in their schools.

A child who is bullied is twice as likely to attempt suicide.

If kids are cyberbullied, they're three times as likely.

Bullying led author Jonathan McKee to contemplate suicide as a teenager.

The height of his worries came in eighth grade.

Between a group of classmates started the Kill John Club.

They made t-shirts with a gunscope target over a picture of Jonathan's face, and would

taunt him when he walked through the hallways.

Even worse, teachers ignored Jonathan's pleas for help.

I can't believe it.

Don't get me wrong.

There are great teachers and administrators, but there's also a problem that flies under

the radar in many schools.

Bullying is as prevalent today as it ever was, so keep an eye out for your kids.

There are a few warning signs that your child might be experiencing bullying.

Your child verbalizes fear, feels insecure.

There's a sudden change in friends.

They avoid school altogether.

They're grades decline.

They act more anxious or depressed, or their eating habits change.

If several of those signs start to appear, look deeper into your child's world.

They may need someone to intervene and help them, and they definitely need you to encourage

them that no matter what, they'll always have the protection and loving support of their

family.

For focus on the family, I'm Jim Daley.