Bullying has become a hot topic even though it has been around for a long time. However, professional in the health care fields and education fields have come to realize that this behavior is destructive and has far reaching consequences. Not only is the victim affected but the bully him or herself and the bystanders can have long lasting effects into their later teen and adult lives.
Let’s Define Bullying
Bullying is the intentional harassment by and individual or group who has power over someone who is considered weaker. Bullying is repetitive over time.
- Verbal – Rumors, Name Calling, Non-Inclusion
- Physical – Pushes, Shoving, Additional Violent Actions
- Cyber – Internet, Social Network, Texting
In New York State, bullying is no longer tolerated and a recent law known as the Dignity for all Students Act was signed into law in July 2012 by Governor Andrew Cuomo. All public NYS school (private school are exempt) must have an anti-bullying protocol in effect with an educator in charge.
There is a Board of Education hotline for any concern which may not have been addressed appropriately in the individual schools. Here are some informational websites on bullying:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Bullying-Its-Not-Ok.aspx
http://www2.aap.org/connectedkids/
http://www.nyclu.org/issues/youth-and-student-rights/nyc-anti-bullying-campaign
You can reach out to myself, Dr. Mark Welles, [email protected], or my colleague Dr. David Fagan, [email protected], for any questions you may have. Together Dr. Fagen and I are in charge of the American Academy of Pediatrics chapter 2 Anti-Bullying Committee.
Dr. Mark Welles is a pediatrician in New Hyde Park, New York and is affiliated with the 
North Shore-LIJ Health System’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Karl-Franzens University of Graz Faculty of Medicine and has been in practice for 36 years. Dr. Mark Welles’ office is located at 410 Lakeville Rd, New Hyde Park, NY 11042 and can be reached at (516) 465-4377 or [email protected].
