()– Although the beginning of the school year should be an exciting time for children it can also bring back the feeling of being bullied and the negative consequences for their mental and physical health.

A study published in School Psychology Review revealed that almost half of students in grades 4-12 were bullied at least once in the month prior.

According to the National Bullying Prevention Center (23 percent vs 19%), bullies are reported by slightly more female students than male students.

According to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey, 19 percent of North Carolina high schools reported that they had been bullied on school property in the last year. If broken down by gender, 23% of high school girls in North Carolina and 15% of high school boys reported being bullied at school.

Signs that a child may be being bullied at school include the following:

– Behaving out of character, like becoming angry or anxious.

– Try to avoid school using excuses such as increased medical problems.

– Showing trouble with schoolwork

– Displaying unusual eating and sleeping habits

Loss of valuables like lunch money and possessions

“Bullying behavior tends to peak in middle school years, but it can happen at any age,”AmeriHealth Caritas is a leader in healthcare solutions for the most vulnerable, says Dr. Michael Golinkoff.

“Victims of bullying may be reluctant to inform their parents or others. So it is important for parents to be observant for signs that their child may be getting bullied and respond accordingly,”He emphasizes.

Parents can stop bullying from happening and help to solve it when it does. These are some steps parents can take in order to help their child:

– Get informed. Ask the principal or any other administrator to find out about bullying policies in your school.

– Be engaged. Talk to your child about the experience. Listen, don’t judge.

– Work together. Include your child in bullying prevention strategies. Make sure teachers are on the same page so that everyone understands what to do if there is a problem.

“The most important advice for a child who is being bullied is to help them develop assertiveness skills and conflict resolution skills,”Dr. Golinkoff.

“This includes standing up for their beliefs and ignoring negativity directed towards them. Role playing exercises can help children learn how to take a stand against an aggressor.”

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