Make a Noise About Bullying

October was Bullying Awareness Month. Bullying has devastating effects on children and families such as school avoidance, loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression. It is important to note that bullying is not just another term for unkind behavior and should not be used as such. Bullying is defined as deliberate and aggressive behavior, either physical or verbal, that is intended to cause harm or distress to another person. Bullying involves a power imbalance where the bully seeks to control or intimidate the victim. Bullying can take various forms, including physical, verbal, social, and online. 

A few things you can look out for to determine if your child is being bullied are behavioral changes, physical marks on them or damage to their belongings, increased anxiety, depression or social withdrawal, frequently losing personal belongings, suddenly avoiding school or a sudden and noticeable change in their friend group or isolation from peers. 

Should you see any of these signs from your child or feel you need guidance with determining if bullying is occurring, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Dean of Students, Todd Freese at tfreese@trinitymidland.org or the Head of Middle School, Chrystal Myers at cmyers@trinitymidland.org.