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Anxiety - What is it?

2/6/2023

 
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It can save your life, or paralyze you. It can push you to prepare for a test, or it can spiral around in your mind preventing you from doing your daily activities.  

Anxiety is a normal reaction to different situations in our lives.  It is our warning system that alerts us to danger to prepare us to react and get to safety. Anxiety can even be helpful to motivate us to prepare for work, a speech, a move, or even a party!  

When the fear and distress of anxiety gets in the way of our daily lives, it may be an anxiety disorder.  

Anxiety is the most common mental health concern in the United States. Nearly 20% of all adults have an anxiety disorder, while 7% of kids will experience anxiety each year, and that number is rising.  Anxiety can be caused by genetics, the environment (traumatic events or illness), or a combination. Treatments, including medication, therapy, and relaxation techniques, can be quite effective. When youth, especially, get appropriate treatment, it can make an enormous difference in the trajectory of their lives.  

There are several types of anxiety, according to NAMI and Mental Health America:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder - GAD produces chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday life which can consume hours each day, making it hard to concentrate or finish daily tasks. A person with GAD may become exhausted by worry and experience headaches, tension, or nausea.

Social Anxiety Disorder - More than shyness, this disorder causes intense fear about social interaction, often driven by irrational worries about humiliation (e.g. saying something stupid or not knowing what to say). Someone with social anxiety disorder may not take part in conversations, contribute to class discussions, or offer their ideas, and may become isolated. Panic attacks are a common reaction to anticipated or forced social interaction.

Panic Disorder - This disorder is characterized by panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror sometimes striking repeatedly and without warning. Often mistaken for a heart attack, a panic attack causes powerful physical symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and stomach upset. Many people will go to desperate measures to avoid an attack, including social isolation.

Phobias - We all tend to avoid certain things or situations that make us uncomfortable or even fearful. But for someone with a phobia, certain places, events, or objects create powerful reactions of strong, irrational fear. Most people with specific phobias have several things that can trigger those reactions; to avoid panic, they will work hard to avoid their triggers. Depending on the type and number of triggers, attempts to control fear can take over a person’s life.

OCD - Repeated, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts or rituals that seem impossible to control.

PTSD - Persistent symptoms that occur after experiencing a traumatic event such as war, rape, child abuse, natural disasters, or being taken hostage. Nightmares, flashbacks, numbing of emotions, depression, and feeling angry, irritable, distracted, and being easily startled are common.
If you or your child are struggling with anxiety, there is help! Talk to your doctor or health care professional.  
As always, take care of yourself first so that you can care for your kiddos.
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Crisis Resources:
www.nami.org
www.mhanational.org
www.apa.org
www.veteranscrisisline.net/
www.samhsa.gov/find-help
hotline.rainn.org
www.loveisrespect.org/
www.thetrevorproject.org/

In a Crisis, call or text 9-8-8   OR   text 'TALK' to 741741
​This article was brought to you by Northshore Council PTSA's Mental Health Committee.
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For past articles and more resources, please visit our Mental Health Awareness page. 

How to Beat the Winter Blues

1/5/2023

 
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​In our area of the Pacific Northwest, many of us suffer from the “winter blues”, or it's more severe type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Often when the seasons change to fall and winter and the days get shorter and darker, we might feel sad and not ourselves. We may also get into a slump after the fun and festivities of the holidays have ended. This may cause us to have trouble sleeping, overeating, and have low motivation.  

Not only is SAD common in people with depressive disorders, but also those with anxiety, panic and eating disorders, and also ADHD.  SAD affects mostly women, and generally the onset is between ages 20-30 years of age.  This means it may not affect our children as much as us caregivers. We need to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of our loved ones. 

While it is not fully known what causes SAD, research shows that low levels of the brain chemical serotonin plays a large role, as well as high levels of melatonin. Both of these help maintain daily body rhythms, along with sufficient levels of vitamin D. Traditional treatments include light therapy, vitamin D, talking to a therapist, and possibly some medications.
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Here are some more ideas for beating the winter blues:
~Get plenty of sleep
~Keep routines
~Exercise, even a little
~Lean into your relationships
~Sit by a sunny window
~Keep things simple
~Eat a well-balanced diet
~Set reasonable expectations and boundaries
~Do things that make you happy
~Take time for yourself to recharge
~Don’t overschedule
If these coping strategies do not help, consider talking to your doctor or your mental health professional. 
 And remember, there is the new 9-8-8 hotline if you need someone to talk to right away.  ​
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Check out these links for more information:
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (nih.gov)  
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
  • Tips for Managing the Holiday Blues | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness  ​
  • 7 tips to beat the winter blues | Health & Wellness Services | University of Colorado Boulder​
This article was brought to you by Northshore Council PTSA's Mental Health Committee.
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For past articles and more resources, please visit our Mental Health Awareness page. 

World Kindness Day - November 13

11/4/2022

 
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Kindness has been defined as actions intended to benefit others. It may also be defined as "having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature, and as encompassing gentleness, respect, amiability, and concern" (Johnstone, 2010).

As adults, we know that kindness is more than just being nice.  Being nice is simply being pleasant and agreeable according to how other people see you.  Being kind is intentional, sincere, and voluntary.  Kindness is based on your values and ethics.  It is grace and love, and can cause a ripple effect that impacts a whole community, even the world!  
Think about it - would you rather be considered “nice” or “kind”?  
Benefits of Kindness in School
Kindness, from teachers and other students, is essential to positive growth and learning because it promotes healthy relationships and helps us develop lifelong skills that can lead to future success and fulfillment. 
When students feel cared for and respected, they are more likely to engage in learning. If students don’t feel valued, they’re unlikely to pay attention or do their best in class. 

Kindness also fosters a sense of community. When everyone treats each other with respect, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging. This sense of community can lead to students being more engaged in their school and motivated to perform well. In addition, students feel safer and more supported in a close-knit community.

Kindness can help reduce bullying and other forms of aggression. When students see their classmates being treated kindly, they are less likely to engage in bullying themselves. In addition, a culture of kindness at school can make it easier for students to speak up when they witness bullying or other mistreatment.

Finally, kindness is simply the right thing to do. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and no one deserves to be the target of aggression or bullying. By fostering a culture of kindness, we can ensure that everyone in our schools feels valued and supported.

How do we help our kids learn kindness?
First of all, we need to be kind to ourselves.  Our kids learn the most by watching their parents and caregivers.  We need to be good models and demonstrate our own self-kindness and show kindness to those around us.  

Second, we need to practice it often.  Say kind things to strangers in the grocery store, give compliments often, hold the door for others, volunteer, and give to charities that mean something to you.  
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Lastly, give positive reinforcement.  If you notice your child doing something kind, tell them that you notice those moments and how much it means to you (or those on the receiving end).  

Some believe that there is less kindness in today’s world.  I don’t believe that!  I see kindness everywhere!  Look for it and you will find it.  Practice it and you will spread kindness and happiness around you.  

Be kind.
Kindness creates more Happiness

Kindness Helps Personal Growth

Kindness Can Help People Perform Better at School or Work

Kindness Is Contagious

Kindness Is Good for the Environment

Kindness Can Help Build Trust, Communication

Kindness Makes Us Better People

Kindness Can Help to Build Up Self-Esteem

Kindness Can Help Heal Trauma

Kindness Makes You Even More Grateful

Kindness Manipulates the Brain in a Positive Way

Kindness Fosters Empathy

Kindness Makes You More Resilient

Kindness Helps Us Feel More Connected to Others

Kindness Makes Your Community Stronger

Kindness Can Save Lives
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This article was brought to you by Northshore Council PTSA's Mental Health Committee.
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For past articles and more resources, please visit our Mental Health Awareness page. 

2nd Round: Now Accepting 2022 - 2023 Grant Applications!

10/13/2022

 

2022-2023 Educational Speakers & Community Events Grant Program

Local PTAs/PTSAs interested in partnering with Northshore Council PTSA to host speakers or events may apply for a partnership grant from Northshore Council PTSA .
​Applications are due on November 25, 2022. 
​
Educational Speakers
  • ​​Is there a speaker your PTA would like to bring in to talk to your membership about a hot parenting topic, but you don't have enough budget for it?
​​Community Events
  • ​Does your PTA want to hold a great community event, but need help getting the word out and covering some of the cost?
​​​Apply for a partnership grant through Northshore PTSA's Educational Speakers & Community Events Grant Program!
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​Apply Today!
​Grant Applications Due November 25th, 2022. 
Download Application Form
Educational Speakers & Community Events Grants Program Policy
Please make sure to read Northshore Council PTSA's Educational Speakers & Community Events Grants Program Policy before submitting your application.

Need Ideas?
View the list of past recipients. ​

More Information
Learn more about Northshore PTSA's Educational Speakers & Community Events Grant Program.

Questions? Email ​grants@northshorecouncilptsa.org

Mental Health Committee Meeting -  October 12th, 2022

9/22/2022

 
Image Mental Health Committee Meeting Oct. 5th
Welcome back for the 2022-2023 school year. We are excited to have our first meeting of the new school year. We invite you to attend and share ideas. Open to All!

Date: Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 
Time: 6 PM
Location: ​Online via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71180094000?

​Meeting ID: 711 8009 4000
Passcode: *available upon request*

The goal of this committee is to promote mental health awareness and partner to bring relevant trainings, events, and resources to our community. 

​For questions about the mental health committee and for the meeting passcode, please email mentalhealth@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

Visit our Mental Health Awareness page for more information and resources. 

Practicing Mindfulness this Summer

6/8/2022

 
Mindfulness for Summer
Phew! We’ve made it through another year! Oh, how we all could use time to recharge our bodies and minds. Our kids have gone through the wringer this year, with changing Covid protocols, school shootings, and other unpredictable events. These things quickly add up and take their toll on our mental health.

School is almost out, making this a good time to focus on recharging our bodies and minds. These upcoming summer months are a great time to revisit some mindfulness and self-care practices.  

Mindfulness practice is an excellent (and simple!) way to ground ourselves in a busy world, to stay fresh, and to simplify our lives. Who couldn’t use that? When you focus on right now, this very moment and not the past or what is coming up tomorrow (or even in the fall), you can be more open-minded, intentional, have gratitude and grace.  


Color Mindfulness
One way to practice mindfulness is to start your day with a purpose. When you set an intention, it is more likely that your actions, words, and responses, especially during tough moments, will be more mindful and compassionate. This practice is best done first thing in the morning, before turning on screens or checking social media.

​Here are some additional mindfulness exercises to try:
  • Mindful Breathing: Sit comfortably or lie down on your back. Take slow, deep breaths, noticing your lungs expanding. Release the breath slowly. Repeat at least 4 more times. As you breath in and out, you can try imagining going up a hill and then back down a hill, swinging in slow-motion, or visualizing colors using Color Mindfulness.
  • Mindful Observation: Step outside for a few moments. Focus on a flower, a cloud, or the trees in the distance. Notice only that item, as if it were the first time you’ve ever seen it.
  • Mindful Awareness: Pay attention to what you are doing and focus on one task at a time - do not multi-task. Ever forget where you set your phone? It’s probably because you set it down while walking through the house to do something else.
  • Mindful Listening: Listen without judgement or other influences. Listen to your child, your friend, your partner. Listen to nature.
  • Mindful Immersion: Be fully present and immersed in what you are doing. Don’t think of the past or the future. Just the here and now.
  • Mindful Appreciation: Find gratitude in and appreciation for every day things. These can be small things such as the smell of rain that watered your garden or the electricity that turns your coffee pot on in the morning.

Remember: the purpose of these mindful exercises is to be intentional and focus on one thing at a time. By doing so, you will see improved balance and happiness in your daily lives.


Self Care for Parents
Self Care for Students
​​Help your students to care for themselves, as well, over summer break. When they observe you practicing self-care, they will be more likely to do the same. 

Students need to find creative ways to connect with friends, spend time outdoors, and relax.  Lastly, make sure they know how to reach someone if they need to talk or connect in times of distress or loneliness.  ​
Self Care for Parents
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As we prepare to part until the fall, remember that as parents we need to take care of ourselves before we can effectively care for our families.

Practice self-care and self-compassion. Remember to take breaks to relax throughout the day and week. Treat yourself to a good night's sleep and nourishing meals. Go outside to enjoy the sunshine - a 20 minute walk is a great way to do this.
Self Care for Students

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Reference numbers to have handy:
Crisis Text Line
Text “HELLO” to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK

​Starting July 16th, Dial 988 for
Mental Health Emergencies

Summer is the perfect time to slow down and smell the roses, as the saying goes. Play that extra board game with your kids before bed. Jump on the trampoline with them after lunch. Take a walk with your partner at sunset. Notice the little things that bring you joy. By being intentional and focusing on one thing at a time, you will see improved balance and happiness in your daily lives.  

Be mindful. You, your family, and your mental health deserve it.

Mindfulness Websites, Apps, and Resources:
www.headspace.com
www.calm.com
www.smilingmind.com
www.mindfulnessdailyapp.com
Seattle Children's 5 Tips for Teaching Mindfulness to Children and Teens

Mental Health Websites:
www.nami.org - National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nimh.nih.gov​ - National Institute of Mental Health
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
www.afsp.org - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention​
Mental Health Informational Flyers:
  • Mental Health in Washington
  • What is Telemental Health?
  • Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events
  • My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?
  • Warning Signs of Suicide
This article was brought to you by Northshore Council's Mental Health Committee. 

3/21/22 General Membership Meeting Recap

4/25/2022

 

​​Last month Council held their 4th General Meeting of the 2021-2022 school year.

We appreciate all the local leaders from across the district as well as community and school partners who took the time to attend!


Continue reading below for a recap of this meeting.
Recap: 3/21/22 General Membership Meeting
Guest Presentation by Northshore School District Ethnic Studies Framework:  NSD Assistant Director of Equity and Pedagogy, Melissa Riley, and Northshore students shared a presentation on ethnic studies in the Northshore School District. This presentation answered the questions "What is ethnic studies, why is it important, and what will it look like for kids?" The curriculum will be for grades Pre K-12 and more information can be found here: https://bit.ly/pesbccdei.

Council Business: 
Approval of the January 20th, 2022 Meeting Minutes which were accepted with minor changes. Approval of the preliminary budget for the 2022-2023 school year.

Election of our 2022-2023 officers:
Thank you to our hardworking Nominating Committee, Diana Christiansen, Cherry Holmes, and Jasmine Lee Fry, for putting together the slate of candidates! Diana Christiansen read the Nominating Report. The self-nomination period was held in accordance with our e-voting policy with no others submitting their names for nomination. The election script was followed with a reading from the WSPTA bylaws. A motion was cast to accept the slate as presented, seconded, and approved by a voice vote.

Congratulations to our incoming 2022-2023 officers!!
  • For the Office of Co President: Rachel Fitzgerald and Mary Khouzam
  • For the Office of First Vice President: Grace Jurado
  • For the Office of Secretary: Open*
  • For the Office of Treasurer: Serena Xu
  • For the Office of VP of Events: Open*
  • For the Office of VP of Advocacy: Jennifer Drury
  • For the Office of VP of Communications: Jennifer Snyder
  • For the Office of VP of Elementary Support: Diana Christiansen
  • For the Office of VP of Secondary Support: Brenae Brix

*Please be advised that by the time the self-nomination period closed, no candidate had come forth for either Secretary or VP of Events. Council will continue to seek volunteers for these positions with the goal of holding elections for them at a future General Membership Meeting. If interested in serving in either of these roles on an interim basis, please contact us at president@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

District Updates:
  • NSD Partnerships & Volunteer Coordinator Marco Garcia informed us that everything related to becoming a Northshore volunteer or being a campus visitor can now be completed on the Safe Visitor website for volunteers. He also let us know that the vaccine requirement has not been lifted. Finally, Community Serve Day will be August 21st 2022 with more information to come. Learn more about becoming a NSD volunteer.
 
  • NSD School Board Updates: Director Amy Cast reviewed the technology parameters with us, reviewed strategic goals and indicators of progress as it has been five years, and reviewed the use of the Levy money including safety grants, work towards more school mental health professionals, nurses, as well as fewer portables etc. Learn more about NSD's School Board.
 
  • Northshore School's Foundation: Hanisha Bakshani/NSF Ambassador North Creek High School let us know that the NSF All in For Kids event is March 31st, 2022 at 4pm at the Evergreen Church. Learn more about the Northshore School's Foundation.

Council Reports: 
  • Staff Appreciation: Rachel Fitzgerald informed us that we will have a virtual staff appreciation for district staff. Currently collecting thank you notes from the community to put together for the staff. There will be a different piece for the council to do as well. The deadline to collect notes  and gather all the information is April 22nd. Learn more...
 
  • Council Recognition Awards: Mary Khouzam updated us on Council recognition awards. This year we have an online form for nominations again which can be found here. If you would like to help with the awards recognition, please contact Mary at awards@northshorecouncilptsa.org.
 
  • Speaker and Events Grants Program: Mary Khouzam let us know that grant program has closed for this year. Click here for Round 3 Recipients.
 
  • Reflections: Jasmine Lee Fry updated us that we had 267 entries that were submitted to the council. 59 submissions were forwarded to the state. 4 entries won awards at the state level. Click here for judging results from both Council & WSPTA as well as a link to our Virtual Art Showcase. 
 
  • Special Education: Laura Staneff let us know that Council will hold a series of 4 webinars scheduled for free through PAVE. The first one was about IEPS and took place on March 22nd. There will be three other webinars in April, May and June. Learn more...
 
  • Mental Health Committee: Melissa Kline & Pauline Wray updated that the Mental Health Committee's Digital Safety Event with Jo Langford happened on March 14th and was well attended. Currently the committee is working on getting Mental Health resource posters up in secondary schools. Finally, an anti-bullying article is currently up on our website and ask that you please share it with your communities. 
 
  • Membership: Hanisha Bakshani & Melissa Kline updated us that 21 PTAs are over their membership numbers from last year and we have a total of 5,337 members to date.   

We hope you will join us for our next General Membership Meeting on May 16th, 2022 @ 7pm. This meeting will also include our annual Spring Recognition Event!

​For a full list of our upcoming meetings and events, check out our Calendar.

Practicing Self-Care for Your Mental Health

4/4/2022

 
Practicing Self-Care - An Article from Council's Mental Health Committee
It's April, and with only 2½ months of school left this year, it may be surreal to think that we are nearing the end of our 3rd school year affected by the pandemic. We may have lost things and we may gave gained things, but life is starting to emerge as something somewhat familiar. Some of us may feel abuzz with possibility. Some of us may feel trepidatious or overwhelmed.

How do we slow down, collect ourselves, and progress with more purpose and less stress after such a wild ride?

By practicing self-care.


By definition, self-care means doing what is best for us, like increasing our emotional and physical stamina, improving our self-esteem, and building resilience towards stressors that we can’t eliminate. Basically, the term describes a conscious act we take in order to promote our own physical, mental, and emotional health in order to be better equipped to live our best
lives.

Self-care isn't just about finding ways to relax. It's about taking care of yourself:
  • Mentally - keeping your mind sharp, practicing self-compassion
  • Physically - sleeping well, eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, taking your medications
  • Emotionally - taking time to daydream, being introspective and mindful, and processing emotions safely & effectively
  • Socially - cultivating and maintaining friendships
  • Spiritually - finding deeper sense of meaning in the world

Self Care isn't Selfish quote from Michelle Maldonado

​Carve out time each day to deliberately focus on self-care.

At first, this may seem like a luxury or selfish. However, proper self-care is something we all need AND deserve.

It is never selfish to make your mental health and well-being a priority.

​Remember, you have to be okay before you can help others be okay!


Additional Resources for Self-Care
  • Taking Care of Yourself - from NAMI
  • The 4 Most Effective Self-Care Moves for Your Mental Health - Article from NAMI Southwest Washington
  • Caring for Self and Community: How Do You Practice Self-Care? - Article and resources from Youth Engaged 4 Change
  • Just Breathe - Managing Stress in Extraordinary Times
Resources

This article was brought to you by Northshore Council's Mental Health Committee. 

Angst Virtual Screening - April 2-8, 2022

3/11/2022

 
Angst - Brought to you by Kenmore Middle School PTSA & Northshore Council PTSA
​We are pleased to present a FREE virtual screening of the film Angst.
This film can be viewed at your leisure any time between April 2-8, 2022.


Angst removes the stigma and opens up the conversation around anxiety, helping viewers understand and manage their symptoms and know when (and that it’s OK) to reach out for help. Through the perspectives of teenagers, their families, and experts who explain the symptoms – as well as a sentimental interview with Michael Phelps, Angst shows people that they are not alone, that anxiety is common, and that it is 100% treatable.
Following the film will be a pre-recorded panel session addressing frequently asked questions and common discussion topics from the film.

Register for a viewing link here: https://forms.gle/QPTrFZbXaf6FcnKY9
Deadline to register is Friday, April 1st.

This event is co-sponsored by Kenmore Middle School PTSA and Northshore Council PTSA.
For questions, email Abby Polasko at treasurer@kenmoreptsa.org.

Bullying: What It Is and How to Support Your Student

3/2/2022

 
Resources for Anti-Bullying Support
​Almost all of our kids will be bullied, or be a witness to bullying, to some degree in their schooling years. The studies vary on how often, how many kids, and who gets bullied, but the fact is that too many kids are victims of this phenomenon.

The consequences of bullying can be disastrous. It can lead to physical injury, social and emotional scarring, lower academic achievements, self-harm, mental health struggles, and even death. Kids who bully others and are bullied themselves are at the greatest risk for mental health and behavioral problems.

What is bullying?
According to Psychology Today, bullying is a distinctive pattern of repeatedly and deliberately harming and humiliating others, specifically those who are smaller, weaker, younger or in any way more vulnerable than the bully. The deliberate targeting of those of lesser power is what distinguishes bullying from garden-variety aggression.
There are 3 types of bullying:
1) Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things. This can include:
  • Teasing
  • Name-calling
  • Taunting
  • Threatening harm
  • Inappropriate sexual comments
2) Social bullying, also called relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. This can include:
  • Telling others not to be friends with someone
  • Spreading rumors
  • Embarrassing someone in public
  • Leaving someone out on purpose
3) Physical bullying involves hurting someone’s body or possessions. This can include:
  • Hitting/kicking/pinching
  • Spitting
  • Tripping/pushing
  • Taking or breaking someone’s things
  • Making mean or rude hand gestures
NO Bullying
It is not simply a part of growing up.
It is not “kids being kids”.
Bullying is never okay.
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Who Gets Bullied and What to Look For
The statistics are all over the place with bullying. Some things we do know are that a higher percentage of males than females report being physically bullied, whereas a higher percentage of girls report being the subjects of rumors and exclusion. As far as cyberbullying, it is reported the most among middle schoolers. Those that are cyberbullied are likely to be bullied offline as well. Students with specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavior disorders, and speech or language impairments are more often victims of bullying than their peers without disabilities. Also, students of color, and those who identify or are perceived as LGBTQ are at a higher risk.

Not all kids who are bullied ask for help. It is estimated that less than half of bullied students notify an adult at school. There are some signs to look for but understand that not all kids show signs. Another thing to note is that simply observing bullying can lead to a negative impact on mental health.

When school-age kids are victims of bullying, they are much more likely to have headaches and stomachaches, depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. They might even experience sleep issues and nightmares, dropping grades, and may even drop out of school. They may come home from school with unexplained injuries, destroyed or lost personal belongings, and may also start showing discipline problems, as well as becoming increasingly more aggressive. Not surprisingly, there is also a strong association between bullying and suicide-related behaviors.

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Who Bullies and What to Look For
Children who feel secure and supported at home, school, and among their peers are less likely to bully. There are several factors that may contribute to youth that bully, but every individual is unique. Those who bully chronically tend to have strained relationships with parents and peers, and may also have school factors and emotional factors to consider. Due to these struggles, bullying can be a way of establishing social dominance. This can lead to a downward spiral if not addressed properly. Some of these behaviors may actually be cries for help.

Research shows that long-term bullies lack prosocial behavior, are not troubled by anxiety, do not understand others’ feelings, and often do not accept responsibility for their actions. They often misread the intentions of others and tend to have a kind of paranoia. As with kids who get bullied, kids who are the bullies have a higher risk of suicide-related behaviors.

What Can Be Done
The good news is that bullying is a behavior that can be changed. Those that bully or are bullied can benefit from support from school, the community, and trusted adults. These adults can teach new social and emotional skills, as well as healthy peer connections.

At the onset, the best defense against bullying is teaching kids social skills and helping them develop confidence in their own abilities. The second-best defense against bullying is to walk away and not fight back. As parents, we can regularly inquire about challenges our kids are having, and maybe even role-play some solutions. It's also beneficial to understand safety while using technology. Cyberbullying is a real thing. It's important to teach kids to use social media responsibly, respectfully, and safely and to keep their passwords private. If you are the victim or a witness in cyberbullying, don’t engage in any conversation online where bullying is occurring.

Bullying should never be ignored. For issues that are severe, persistent, or unresolved, the individual(s) who has(have) been the target of bullying or who has observed bullying should report the incident in writing or verbally to a staff member at
that school. Northshore School District is committed to a safe environment for its students where everyone is treated with respect, and no one is physically or emotionally harmed. NSD makes it easy to report tips on bullying, harassment, or any safety issue through SafeSchools Alert. Reporting can be done online, through an app, or by calling, texting, or emailing. NSD's SafeSchools Alert can be used by students, families, or staff to report the incident and can also be done anonymously.
Resources for Students & Families
  • March 14th Parent Education Webinar - Digital Safety 101: The 3 Big Bads (Sexting, Cyberbullying, and Porn)
  • Northshore School District SafeSchools Alert for reporting safety concerns
  • Bullying Resources for Parents, Teachers, and Students
  • FREE Anti-Bullying App from SAMHSA.gov
  • NAMI Stop Bullying Challenge
  • www.stopbullying.gov - Learn how to identify bullying and stand up to it safely
  • CDC information on Preventing Bullying
  • PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center
  • Psychology Today article on Bullies
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This article was brought to you by Northshore Council's Mental Health Committee. Visit our Mental Health Awareness Resources page to learn more about this committee and the other resources they have provided.
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