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ReShare: New mobile app helps parents, educators prevent bullying

By October 21, 2015ReShare

Nearly one in five high school students have reported being bullied at school, and almost 15 percent have experienced some form of cyberbullying. Bullying behaviors can start as early as 3 years old and have serious consequences, with long-term impact on mental health, including substance use, violence, criminal convictions, and suicide.

To address this public health issue, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created KnowBullying, a mobile app that helps parents, caregivers, and educators prevent bullying by encouraging conversations with children.

Research shows that children look to their parents and caregivers for guidance on tough choices, peer pressure, and making decisions. KnowBullying can help you start a dialogue by providing simple conversation starters for talking with your child or teen.

“We all know the benefits of good communication can last a lifetime,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “KnowBullying uses evidence-based information and resources to help parents and caregivers foster meaningful interactions with their children, and build self-esteem and coping mechanisms for dealing with adversity.”

Whether your child is being bullied, bullying others, or witnessing bullying, KnowBullying, offers you the tools and information you need to help your child practice healthy behaviors. KnowBullying will help you make the most of each opportunity to help your child navigate difficult relationships at school or at home, and help build his or her resilience.

Developed in collaboration with the StopBullying.gov Federal partnership, KnowBullying provides strategies to prevent bullying. It includes warning signs to recognize if a child is affected by bullying, and a reminder feature to help you connect with your child when the time is right. KnowBullying also provides a special section for educators.

“The app helps parents and caregivers start a conversation their kids will remember when it counts,” said Masami Stratton, parent and Maryland teacher. “When I use KnowBullying with my children, it helps build trust and reminds them that they can come to me when they have a problem.”

KnowBullying is free and available on iPhone® and Android devices. More information on how to download the app is available at http://store.samhsa.gov/apps/bullying.

SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the Nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. To learn more about SAMHSA, visit http://www.samhsa.gov.

Source: SAMHSA’s KnowBullying Prevention App | SAMHSA.gov

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