Bullying Helplines for Kids & Teens in the USA

Children and teens who are bullied either in person on online are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, suffer from depression and anxiety and consider suicide. Bullying has the potential to leave a deep emotional scar that can change a victim̵7;s lot in life, according to HealthyChildren.org, the official website published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Reaching out to bullying helplines can support kids and teens who are pestered by their peers and help them put a stop to further harassment.

  1. Depression and Suicidal Thoughts

    • Depression is a likely outcome for young people who are bullied face-to-face, according to the website Cyberbully411.org, created by Internet Solutions for Kids. Feelings of melancholy can also develop in kids and and teens who are bullied on social media sites or receive insulting text messages. Cyberbully411.org provides resources including an online discussion form for children and adolescents who've been ridiculed online. The website recommends calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255) or the National Hopeline Center at 1-800-SUICIDE for severely depressed bully victims who may have suicidal thoughts. Both centers provide round-the-clock crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

    'Cyberyarmy'

    • "Don't Stand By, Stand Up" is the motto of StopCyberbullying.org. The website was the first cyberbullying prevention program in North America, according to information provided on its site. Stopbullying.org has what founder Parry Aftab describes as her "cyberarmy" that̵7;s made up of specially trained tweens and teens who prepare and deliver community programs to help their peers deal with cyberbullying. Cyberarmy members run a text messaging support line for bullied children and teens. Call 1-210-463-8663 or e-mail Parry Aftab at [email protected] for more information.

    Gay and Lesbian Resources

    • More than 7,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender middle and high school students ages 13 to 21 in the U.S. reported being bullied in during the previous year because of their sexual orientation, according to a 2009 survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eight of 10 LGBT tweens and teens admitted to being verbally assaulted at school while four of 10 said they were physically harassed on school grounds. The Gay & Transgender Hate Crime Hotline at 1-800-616-HATE can offer assistance to LGBT bully victims or by calling 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386), notes Helpguide.org.

    Helplines For Parents of Bully Victims

    • Parents are encouraged to talk frankly with their child or teen if they suspect he is being bullied. Parents who discover that their child is being mistreated by classmates or peers should act immediately by reaching out to the school for help. Parents who need guidance or have specific questions about putting an end to the harassment of their child or teen can contact the Parent Help Line at 1-217-544-5808 or toll-free at 1-888-727-5889, according to Children's St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

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