Back to School For Military Kids
Honestly, the statistics for all bullying are alarming. In 2019 the national center for educational statistics reported that 1 in 5 children was or had experienced bullying. That number has only grown at an experiential rate, in some places a 98% increase in REPORTED bullying. There is a light at the end of the tunnel because school-based bullying prevention programs decrease bullying by up to 25%. That is still a pretty high number. The adults who are getting the reports of bullying from the kids are either not sure how to handle it, overworked, and don't have time to address it effectively; their opinion is biased; and unfortunately, a lot of children don't have the love, support or guidance they need at home to help them overcome these negative experiences that could build resiliency, increased self-esteem, increased self-awareness and an increased sense of self-power.
Returning to school for military children can be scary and anxiety-provoking; statistically, military children face unique life challenges. Frequent moves can result in a lack of an established community and extended family support, and deployments and concerns for parent safety may lead to added anxiety and stress.
I have kids who have experienced bullying because of being a "military brat" and two younger girls who I want to prepare so if or when they are bullied, they can handle it with grace and kindness and be smart about it so they are not hurt.
We can't control what others do, but we can control how we react. Just let your child and their friends know that you care and can be a safe person they can come to and if you can't be that safe person, make sure they have a person. It takes a village to raise children, and because we are military, our family is sometimes far away. Be sensitive to that in your interactions with your children and their friends; we never know the battles a person faces internally. Decide to be supportive, be curious, ask questions, and show that you are interested in their life. They will be there for us tomorrow if we are here for them today.
Please comment and tell us how you plan to show support for the children in your life; your comment might encourage someone to start it in theirs.
References/Helpful info:
Cyberbullying
Learn what cyberbullying is, how to prevent it, and how to respond to it if you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying.
Federal Laws
Sometimes bullying overlaps with discriminatory harassment, which is covered under federal civil rights laws. Learn more about your civil rights.
What Schools Can Do
School staff can help prevent bullying by establishing and enforcing rules and policies that clearly describe how students are expected to treat each other.
What Kids Can Do
Are you being bullied? Do you see bullying at your school? There are things you can do to keep yourself and the kids you know safe from bullying.
Get Help Now
If you have done everything you can to resolve the situation and nothing has worked, or someone is in immediate danger, there are ways to get help.
Have a great week, until next time OXOX Allison
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