In today’s How to Stop Bullying in New Jersey Schools article, we are going to focus on preventing the bullying of children with special health care needs. There is a multitude of different special health care needs, and unfortunately, the children who have them are especially vulnerable to being bullied due to no fault of their own.
A Look Back: Federal Civil Rights Laws and Youth with Disabilities
Creating a Safe Environment for Youth with Disabilities
How Teachers Can Help Prevent Bullying
Bullying Prevention for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Having special health care needs due to neurological, developmental, physical, and mental health conditions can add to the challenges children and young people face as they learn to navigate social situations in school and in life. While bullying and cyberbullying is an unfortunate reality for many young people, children with special healthcare needs are at greater risk for being targeted by their peers.
One reason children and young adults with special health care needs might be at higher risk for bullying is lack of peer support. Having friends who are respected by peers can prevent and protect against bullying. Ninety-five percent of 6- to 21-year-old students with disabilities were served in public schools in 2017. However, children with special health care needs may have difficulty getting around the school, trouble communicating and navigating social interactions, or may show signs of vulnerability and emotional distress. These challenges can make them be perceived as different, and increase their risk of aggression from peers.
Young people with special needs may benefit from, both individualized and class-wide approaches to address the specific effects of their condition and prevent them from becoming the target or perpetrator of bullying. Teachers, school staff, and other students need to understand the specific impairments of a child’s health condition, so that they can develop strategies and supports to help them participate and succeed in class and with their peers.
We Are on Your Side
At the Law Offices of Johanna G. Burke, we fight to ensure your children are treated with the full respect they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.