Bullying

What is bullying?

Bullying is never OK. It can be verbal, physical or even happen online. Bullying happens when one person or a group of people takes advantage of a weaker person or group. Sometimes, kids play rough, fight or even tease each other. But if this happens repeatedly, it’s considered bullying. Bullies will pick on the same kid over and over again. They try to scare and control a kid until they get what they want.

How can I tell if my child is being bullied?

Talk to your child right away if you think they’re being bullied. Some signs to look out for include:

• Injuries that can’t be explained
• Lost or destroyed clothing, electronics or jewelry
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches, feeling sick or faking illness
• Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating — kids may come home from school hungry from not eating lunch
• Difficulty sleeping
• Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork or not wanting to go to school
• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
• Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem
• Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves or talking about suicide

How can I help my child deal with bullying?

Communication is key. Talk with your child and let them explain what’s happening. Let them know that they did the right thing by talking to an adult that they trust. Tell them there are things they can do to try to stop the situation like:

• Tell a teacher or another guardian what’s going on
• Directly and confidently tell the bully to “stop”
• Walk away if the bully doesn’t stop
• Stand near an adult or another group of kids

If your child doesn’t feel comfortable doing these things, you can help them. Raise awareness of the problem. You can talk to:

• Other parents and see if this problem is affecting their kids as well
• The people in charge of the place where the bullying happens
• The bully’s parents — try to set up a time where you and your children can sit down and talk about their differences

Don’t let your child get bullied. These websites can teach you more about dealing with bullies:

• Helping kids deal with bullies
• Cyberbullying info for teens
• Stop bullying

About the author

AJ Murphy is an evocative young writer who grew up in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood. AJ began his writing career at Alaska Ice Rinks Inc. in Anchorage, AK, where he also drove a Zamboni and took care of outdoor hockey rinks.

If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how bad it can be. Getting the flu shot is one way to help prevent against the flu, and it's covered by your health plan. The other way is to understand flu myths and facts, so you can stay healthy.

Be prepared for flu season

A flu vaccine (shot) is your best chance to avoid the flu. It’s best to get a shot each year, as soon the flu shot is available in your area. This can be done at your doctor’s office or a health clinic.

The flu vaccine is available in several forms. Most are given in an arm muscle with a needle. Talk with your doctor about which form is best for you.

Myth vs. Fact

M: You can catch the flu from the flu shot

F: A flu shot cannot cause the flu virus.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone ages 6 months and older. If you're not sure if you should get the flu shot, check with your doctor first.

M: The flu shot is expensive.

F: The flu shot is covered by your health plan. If you're enrolled, make sure you get your flu shot at no extra cost.

M: The flu shot shouldn't be given at the same time as other vaccines.

F: The flu shot can be given at the same time as other vaccines,2 including the pneumococcal vaccine.

M: Getting the flu shot is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.

F: Getting the flu shot is one way to protect yourself. Make sure you also avoid contact with people who have the flu. And remember to wash your hands often.

M: Antibiotics help with the flu.

F: Antibiotics don't necessarily treat the flu. They only help with infections caused by bacteria. Antiviral drugs like TAMIFLU^® can fight the flu virus, so you can feel better faster.

¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Misconceptions about seasonal flu and flu vaccines. September 25, 2018. Available at: cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fabout%2Fqa%2Fmisconceptions.htm. Accessed May 20, 2019.

²Georgia Department of Public Health. Adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccines FAQ.

Available at: dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/Immunizations/Flu-Season-Flu-Pneu-FAQs.pdf. Accessed May 20, 2019.