Here is a sneak peak of what will be discussed on Tuesday October 22nd at Congruence Counseling for the first of seven Let’s Talk Tuesdays! Each month, a discussion will be held to offer strategies and support, for parents of children with disabilities, and those facing emotional or behavioral challenges. October is National Bullying Prevention month, and in honor we will kick off the first of this conversation series discussing personal safety awareness, bullying prevention, and empowerment.

Personal Safety Awareness

Did you know that…

· Children with disabilities are almost four times as likely to experience violence than children without disabilities (World Health Organization, 2012).

· Adults with disabilities are one a half times more likely to experience violence than those without disabilities (World Health Organization, 2012).

Yes, these statistics are alarming. As a parent or caregiver, this can bring to light any or all of the following ---fear, worry, anger, disgust, the list goes on. The question then becomes, what can parents and caregivers do to make sure those they care for are safe from harm? Expose individuals to self-protection techniques and give them the skills to be safe in their own environment. Increase their awareness to their surroundings, and help them determine what they can do in an unsafe situation as opposed to something they can’t do. Give them a voice to feel empowered and in control of their own destiny.

Bullying Prevention

As the school year takes off in full swing; unfortunately, so does bullying. Thirty-three percent of students who reported being bullied at school, indicated that they were bullied at least once or twice a month during the school year (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2016). Bullying can occur anywhere from the bus ride in the morning, to the playground, hallway, cafeteria at lunch, and even in the classroom. In today’s world, bullying is double faceted. It just doesn’t occur in person, but from behind a screen as well. Technology has made it so easy for those interested in hurting others to hide behind the anonymity of a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Let’s help put an end to bullying and cyberbullying by teaching children ways to take charge of their own safety whether online or at school. Let’s celebrate National Bullying Prevention Month in October working towards acceptance and inclusion.

By Sarah Bobrzynski, MS, CRC

References

National Center for Education Statistics. (2016). Indicators of school crime and safety. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=719.

World Health Organization. (2012). Prevalence and risk of violence against adults with disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Retrieved fromhttps://www.who.int/disabilities/violence/en/