Labor Day has passed. The kids are back in school. And, it’s that time of year when signs of bullying emerge among school-age children.
On any given day, more than 160,000 children stay home from school for fear of being bullied. Because of the seriousness of this issue, Beaumont Children’s Hospital developed the No Bullying Live Empowered, or NoBLE program. NoBLE provides integrated education, guidance and support for children and families affected by bullying.
"This is a particularly difficult time of year as many children are anxious just returning to school after summer vacation,” says Marlene Seltzer, M.D., director of Beaumont’s NoBLE anti-bullying program. “Now, with social situations like trying to make new friends, pressures of navigating a new school or being around kids who were mean-spirited the prior year, the physical and emotional stresses can multiply.”
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Dr. Seltzer adds, "Every indication of bullying should be taken seriously and explored. It’s very important not to dismiss the physical or emotional signs of bullying."
Some of the emotional signs of bullying can include:
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- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
- Fearfulness
- Loneliness
Some of the physical signs of bullying can include:
- Excessive headaches
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Bed wetting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and muscle pain
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- Frequent colds/coughs/sore throats
Learn more about Beaumont's NoBLE program by calling 248-898-9951. Support is also available 24/7 through a bullying hotline, operated by Common Ground, a nonprofit crisis intervention agency, toll-free at 855-UR-NOBLE (855-876-6253). A one-on-one texting chat is also available Monday - Friday from 4 - 10 p.m. Text us at 248-809-5550.
