Decatur, Illinois (WAND) — October is National Bullying Prevention Month. WAND News takes a closer look at how devastating bullying can be for children, and what experts can do to protect their children.
Jeremy and Theresa Larson know firsthand how devastating bullying can be.
Jeremy Larson, father of four DPS61 students, told WAND: news.
“She doesn’t like coming to school anymore. I’ve noticed more and more panic attacks,” added Teresa Larson.
The Larsons said they have seen a big change in middle school students since they started being bullied at Dennis Lab School.
“The teacher had to escort her to class, and then one of the students came up behind her and the teacher was there and started grabbing her by the hair and punching her in the back of the head.” A girl friend threw water on her,’ explained Jeremy Larson
HSHS Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Mary Crisler said parents should be alert for signs such as injuries and missing clothing or school supplies. She also warns her parents of more subtle signs, such as a child’s reluctance to go to school, changing grades, trouble sleeping, and even self-harm.
“The first conversation must start in the home environment. Parents must give children enough freedom to feel comfortable coming to them,” explains Crisler. Did.
Chrisler also encourages parents to contact their child’s teachers and school administrators.
“They need to feel safe in the school environment and have someone they can go to if they don’t feel safe and have this conversation in secret,” Crisler said. rice field.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson said Denise’s staff have been very supportive in tackling the problem head-on.
“She can’t concentrate and she’s more anxious now, so we’re switching her, so maybe we should switch,” Teresa Larson told WAND News.
The Larsons said online threats and bullying are also challenges. Chrisler encourages parents to put limits on their phone and social media use. She also said parents should often talk to their kids about who they’re messaging online.
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