These signs do not always mean bullying is occurring, but they can be a signal that your child needs additional support. If you are concerned that your child is experiencing bullying, reach out to trusted school staff, health care providers, or family support organizations. Early support can make a significant difference in helping children feel safe, connected, and confident.
What if My Child is the Bully?
Sometimes children and youth with special health care needs are the ones doing the bullying. Signs that a child may be bullying others include:
Children and youth with special health care needs can also be perceived as bullying others, when in fact, that is not the intent of their behaviors. This can be due to several factors including challenges with social skills and the ability to interpret social cues, not understanding the impact of their actions, and a desire for acceptance and inclusion. Sometimes children who are bullied themselves may act out to regain a sense of control or attention. Recognizing these causes helps parents approach the situation with empathy rather than shame. It is important to stay calm, avoid blame, and set clear expectations for your child. Teaching empathy and social skills will help your child consider others' feelings and practice respectful interactions. Helping your child stop bullying others involves consistency, support, and reinforcement of positive behaviors. Early intervention can prevent long-term problems for both the child and their peers.
How ever your child might be experiencing bullying, StopBullying.gov offers information and resources for you to learn more about identifying the signs and finding support at: Warning Signs for Bullying | StopBullying.gov
The greatest deterrent to cyberbullying is parents who are actively engaged in their child’s online activity. Parents can help keep their children safe by teaching them good online habits, being aware of online threats, talking openly with their child, and using tools designed for online safety. The resources below offer guidance and tools for families to help protect their children in a confusing and ever-changing cyber world.
Steps to Take to Report Cyberbullying from StopBullying.gov - Get action steps for reporting bullying to authorities and social media companies. https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/how-to-report
Cyberbullying: What Parents Should Know – Pacer Center Help your children navigate an online world by talking with them about cyber safety, and learn the steps to take if your child is bullied online, witnesses bullying, or engages in bullying themselves. Mobile and Online Safety – PACER Center
NetSmartz from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children - Free videos, activities, and resources created especially for children to help them learn about online safety, recognize risks, and make safer choices. Cyberbullying
ProtectMIChild Registry from the Michigan Secretary of State - Register your children’s email addresses, phone numbers, and social media accounts to block adult-themed ads and content. Within 30 days, companies must remove the devices from their marketing lists. https://www.protectmichild.com
OK2SAY from the Michigan State Police - Michigan's Student Safety Program has a website about cyberbullying with links to other resources. https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say/student-resources/topics-for-students/cyberbullying
Internet Safety Guide for Teachers and Parents from the Michigan Secretary of State - Download this free eBook with tips for talking to your child about internet safety. Learn five steps you can take to limit inappropriate content and understand popular social media platforms and apps. https://www.protectmichild.com/cybertips/cybertips.pdf
Listed below are some programs that promote peer support and inclusion:
Grand Valley State University START program https://www.gvsu.edu/autismcenter/start
Special Olympics Unified Sports https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sports/unified-sports
Best Buddies International https://www.bestbuddies.org/
Peer Mentoring https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/developmentaldisability/resources-for-cmhsps/michigan-peer-mentor-program
Boys & Girls Clubs of American Disability Inclusion Kit https://www.bgca.org/programs/initiatives/disability-inclusion/
One of my favorite things is how excited he is to go and hang out together. He's always ready for whatever adventure we have planned that day, and of course I am as well. We have so much fun!
Because of him I get to try new things and go new places, like the Muskegon winter sports complex, where Noah and I went down a year-round luge track for the first time. We also went down a zipline that I did not know existed until Noah told me about it. Honestly, Noah does a great job of getting me out of my comfort zone when it comes to trying new things. Being able to hangout and have fun together, makes me happy to know Noah.
