Violence in the schools- Bullying and Cyberbullying

We are living in frightening times. Children should not be afraid to go to school, but many are afraid to do so due to school violence, school shootings, sexual assault, and bullying and cyberbullying behaviors. We have included some helpful resources for when students experience violence in the schools. If your child is talking about guns, violence, shootings, displays anger towards people at school, please obtain help immediately from a Licensed Professional Counselor to determine if they are in danger to themselves or others. If you have guns at home, please keep them locked and safely away from children.

Updated February 17, 2023

In response to recent school violence and mass shootings, the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP) has compiled a list of resources to help youth, families, educators, and community members cope with and talk about community trauma, as well as provide psychological first aid.

Need Help Now?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7/365: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press “2”) to be connected to a trained counselor any time.

             Additional Helplines and Apps

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• 988 TALK TO SOMEONE NOW
• 988 Lifeline Chat and Text
• 988 Support on Social Media
• 988 Help Someone Else
• Crisis Text Line
• SAMHSA Disaster Mobile App

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious long-lasting effects. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. 

Bullying can take a toll on mental health and have long-lasting effects. Therapy can help children process their experiences and learn positive ways to cope. It can also help a child regain self-esteem, process difficult emotions, and learn ways to build positive friendships. Early intervention is best. 

StopBullying.gov

Provides information on how to prevent bullying, how to intervene as a parent and information on laws and policies. Information available in Spanish.

Know Bullying App

A free bullying prevention app for parents, educators, and caregivers. Research shows that parents and caregivers who spend at least 15 minutes a day talking with their children or teens help build strong relationships and prevent bullying. 

The following links provide information about bullying and cyberbullying: 

• Connect Safely 
• Cyberbullying Research Center 
• CyberWise 
• David's Legacy Foundation 
• National School Climate Center’s BullyBust 
• Pacer Center’s Kids Against Bullying 
• Pacer Center’s Teens Against Bullying 
• The Texas Attorney General’s Office 
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration web site 
• Wired Safety