Don’t be a Bully Month

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The month of August is marked as ‘Don’t be a Bully Month’ every year. It is dedicated to raising awareness for the dangers and impacts of bullying. And, with school about to start back up, it is even more important.

“Bullying is considered a negative or an adverse childhood event, which can be very traumatic and damaging to people’s psyche,” said Nikolai Krahn, mental health nurse practitioner at PrairieCare. “It really impacts the way they view themselves, the way they interact in their interpersonal relationships with family and friends, and really impacts their ability to effectively and appropriately engage in school and in even the work environment as adults.”

While research is still developing, seventy-five percent of people who are bullied do develop mental health and emotional concerns, which can lead to many health problems later on in life. On top of that, two to nine percent of kids and teens who are bullied are more likely to consider suicide than kids who are not bullied.

However, there are ways to help deal with bullying. Talking about it can help, especially if you have someone you absolutely trust. Also, parents should be more involved in helping their kids.

“Listening and understanding, helping the child understand maybe why the bullying is happening and reflecting on those feelings,” said Krahn. “And helping them talk through it to really challenge the worthlessness and hopelessness that child is feeling.”

Parents can also help by engaging in social activities and positive activities with their kids to help build their self-esteem and psyche back up, both of which are very important.

Everyone should remember that kids often won’t be upfront and open, so people need to be aware of bullying.

If needed, you can call the 988-suicide crisis line for help. They have twenty-four-hour coverage and counselors available.

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