October is National Bullying Prevention Month

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, bullying is a serious public health concern with potentially disastrous effects on children of all ages and walks of life. While bullying is not new to growing up, it is getting new attention. To combat its effect and empower kids in crisis, New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act or DASA requires all schools to implement anti-bullying policies. DASA also requires schools to have one or more staff members handle reports of bullying, so children know where to seek help. These local efforts and more about what we can do to stand up to bullying are what our expert guests will address with us on this episode.

Joining us for this important discussion are:Mark Welles, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Zucker School of Medicine and co-chairman of the American Academy of Pediatric Bullying Prevention Committee. He is also a pediatrician at Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center. David Fagan, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Zucker School of Medicine and vice chair of Pediatric Administration-Ambulatory at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Resources:StopBullying.govAmerican Academy of PediatricsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Child Abuse Prevention Services LILong Island Coalition Against BullyingNYC Department of Education (Respect for All)Pride for YouthThe Trevor Project