Bullying is a significant problem with youths, whether they are the target (victim) or the aggressor (bully). According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 20% of students report being bullied. 41% of students bullied at school think it will happen again. The types of bullying differ. In the statistics, 13% were called names, 13% were the subject of rumors, 5% reported being physically assaulted, and 5% were excluded from activities.
To conduct bullying prevention activities, the onus for schools and professionals is to identify the source of the bullying. While some theorize that the parents are the source of the bullying, others look to the peers as the basis for it. Research suggests that it comes from both starting places equally. Many of the studies look at the type of attachment a youth has with parents or peers. Murphy et al. in 2017 indicated that “Individuals with secure attachments to parents and peers are less likely to be bullies and victims of bullying.” In surveys they conducted with adolescents about peer and parent attachment, they found that “having a secure attachment to peers may be a potentially protective factor against bullying involvement for males with insecure attachments to parents.” Chen et al., in 2021, found several factors that affected bullying. “Parental behavioral control,” the parent’s ability to supervise and interfere in their youth’s activities, was an essential factor. Also, “deviant peer affiliation” became a significant element as well, meaning the types of peers who might engage in aggression, cheating, and substance abuse. The study found that while parents had some impact in reducing bullying activity, the youths who engaged in antisocial behavior were more of an influence on bullying activity.
Both of these studies also show how attachment is a significant factor in bullying prevention. Studies by Bowlby on attachment showed a correlation between insecure attachment, low trust, and lack of empathy. These are factors that lead to poor connections with others and can be a breeding ground for bullying.
For professionals working with youths being bullied, several strategies can be used. Improving social skills and positive connections with youths leads them to be in a group where bullying is not tolerated, and a social support system can inoculate them from abuse. Plus, working with parents and their communication skills also improves their positive influence on the youth. Bullying prevention needs a two-pronged approach: improving peer-level interactions along with parental communication.
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PRAXES is a nationwide behavioral health software, consulting, and training company. No one in the behavioral health industry has a better reputation, and if you give us the chance, we’ll show you why! At PRAXES, our services improve the efficiency and structure of behavioral health agencies serving children and families nationwide. PRAXES brings over 45 years of administrative and clinical expertise. With more than 100 client companies nationwide, we offer the expertise to advance the quality of behavioral health services. We accomplish these goals through our new clinical decision software, our training of best practices, and helping companies meet regulatory standards. At PRAXES, we believe in being creative and fostering new ways to serve children and their families. Our vision is to empower the families our agencies serve with skills that not only improve their functioning, but help them to thrive in their everyday lives. When you give us the chance, you’ll be connected directly to our friendly staff, so you can expect immediate attention to your inquiry. So, don’t wait, call now!
Dan Thorne has unique perspectives on the field of mental health. As a clinician, he has had over 40 years of experience working with clients in the Southern California area. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Irvine, he worked with children in the Orange County Juvenile Hall. Here he honed his earliest techniques on at-risk children. After that, he obtained his Master’s degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton.
In the 1990’s, Dan turned his attention to the clinical and administrative side of behavioral health organizations. For three years, he was the Assistant Administrator of Starting Point, a chemical dependency facility in Costa Mesa, CA. In 2001, he took an opportunity to be the Director of Harbor View Community Services Center in Long Beach. When he arrived, the Center had only 80 clients and 13 staff. When he left, there were over 400 clients and 75 staff. Dan created several programs through their contract with the Los Angeles County Departments of Mental Health and Child and Family Services. Under his guidance, Harbor View became one of the leading providers of children’s services in Los Angeles County.
While improving the results of the client’s parents at the Center, Dan reflected on his experiences as a parent. His children themselves had special needs such as mental and intellectual challenges, and Dan knew the toll it takes on the parent. In order to help the child, the parent has to be healthy. From this concept, he created his parenting program. After years of refining it, teaching it to his staff at the Center, and then taking the results and comments from these efforts, he became the developer of the current PRAXES program. It is a culmination of Dan’s personal trials and tribulations as a parent along with empirical results and research of over 40 parenting programs.
Our vision at PRAXES is to advance the strength of parents and caregivers of children with special needs (mental health, intellectual, or physical) through education, support, and empowerment. Thus, they can live healthy and functional lives while caring for the child.
Apogee is a clinical decision software designed to help behavioral health practitioners with their treatment and patient engagement. It provides evidence-based and research-based components. Not only do they consist of elements from such practices as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Functional Behavior Analysis, but also the Intensive Models for Parents, Youth, and Children.
PRAXES has over 30 years of accreditation experience. We know what it takes to get your organization accredited. Whether it’s Joint Commission, CARF, or COA, our team can provide an evaluation of your current status and review the standards which need improvements. We will assist you with the policies, documentation, and training required to be accredited.
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