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Bullying

 

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles has a major interest in the problem of bullying and epilepsy. In October 2010, we produced a video on bullying starring Dan Clark of American Gladiators and 11 year old Alex Boyer.

On this page we have adapted information and tips from several excellent websites. Please visit the websites directly for more in-depth information and resources.

 

 

What is bullying?

 

According to StopBullying.gov, bullying can happen face-to-face, via text messages or on the web. It is not limited by age, gender, or education level and is not a phase nor a joke. Bullying is aggressive, deliberate behavior involves an imbalance of power or strength, is often repeated over time, and can cause lasting harm. It can take many forms, such as hitting, kicking, or shoving (physical bullying), teasing or name-calling (verbal bullying), intimidation through gestures or social exclusion (nonverbal bullying or emotional bullying), and sending insulting messages by text messaging or e-mail (cyberbullying).

 

 

Possible signs of bullying

 

According to StopBullying.gov, there are many warning signs that could indicate that someone is being bullied, but many of these can also be signs of other issues.

 

  • Comes home with damaged or missing clothing or other belongings
  • Reports losing items such as books, electronics, clothing, or jewelry
  • Has unexplained injuries
  • Suddenly has fewer friends
  • Has trouble sleeping or bad dreams
  • Has changes in eating habits
  • Blames themselves for their problems
  • Appears sad, moody, angry, anxious or depressed when they come home
  • Loses interest in friends
  • Feels helpless
  • Is afraid of school or other activities with peers
  • Loses interest in school work or begins to do poorly in school
  • Avoids certain places
  • Often feels like they are not good enough
  • Hurts themselves
  • Complains frequently of headaches, stomach aches, or feeling sick
  • Are hungry after school from not eating lunch
  • And more...

 

 

Bullying and disability harassment

 

Bullying is too often a serious problem for children and youth with epilepsy and other health conditions or disabilities. Such bullying may cross the line to become “disability harassment,” which is illegal under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

 

Children with epilepsy are at greater risk for bullying than their peers. According to the results of an Ohio State University College of Medicine study, published in Epilepsy & Behavior in 2009, children with epilepsy were more frequently victims of bullying (42%) than were healthy controls (21%) or children with another chronic disease (chronic kidney disease) (18%). The relatively high prevalence of bullying behaviors is concerning and requires greater research specifically addressing peer relationships and consideration of the implementation of anti-bullying measures and coping strategies for children with epilepsy [3].

These are powerful reasons for parents of children with epilepsy to get help. If you are a parent or educator, learn more about the risk factors, the warning signs associated with bullying and where to get help at StopBullying.gov.

 

> Is my child experiencing disability harrassment?

 

> I have read the legal definition of disability harrassment and think my child is being harassed. What do I do?

 

 

Bully prevention

 

StopBullying.gov provides the following tips for "bully-proofing" your child:

 

  • Help your child understand bullying
  • Keep open lines of communication with your child.
  • Encourage your child to pursue their interests.
  • Teach your child to take a stand against bullying.
  • Talk to your child about seeking help from a trusted adult when feeling threatened.
  • Know what is going on in your child's school.

 

 

What to do if your child is being bullied

 

The following tip sheet for parents lists important suggestions and detailed steps to take if your child is being bullied. The content has been adapted from tip sheets downloaded from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website Stop Bullying Now


     - What to do if your child is being bullied (PDF)

 

 

Online bullying resources

 

Epilepsy and My Child: Bullying
Hosted by the national Epilepsy Foundation

Stop Bullying Now!
Managed by the U.S. Department of Health Resources and Services Administration. Includes information about awareness, prevention, and intervention as well as games and even webisodes.

Bullying among Children and Youth with Disabilities and Special Needs
A question and answer tip sheet specifically for parents of children with special needs.

The National Library of Medicine Bullying Website
Provides links and latest news. Parents can sign up to receive bullying updates by email.

U.S. Department of Education’s Secretary Arne Duncan answering questions about bullying prevention efforts

KidsHealth.org
Information and articles on bullying for parents, kids and teens.

Stopcyberbullying.org
Describes cyberbullying, how to prevent it and take action against it.

TalkAboutIt.org (Link 1, Link 2, Link 3)

National Crime Prevention Council

 

 

References

  1. Blackwell. Snyder, J. M. (February, 2003) What Parents Can Do About Childhood Bullying.
  2. Education Law Center (2002). What can you do if your child with a disability is being harassed by other students? (fact sheet). Retrieved August 10,2005, from www.elc-pa.org.
  3. Hamiwka LD et al. Are children with epilepsy at greater risk for bullying than their peers? Epilepsy Behav, 2009; 15(4): 500-505. PMID: 19631586
  4. Olweus, D. (1993). Bullying At school: What we know and what we can do. Cambridge, MA.
  5. Schwab Learning Center, (www.schwablearning.org) Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation. Retrieved August 12, 2005, from http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.asp?r=697 What Parents Should Know about Bullying (2002). South Deerfield, MA. (1-800-835-2671).