PCANC Creates Online Bullying Prevention Resource Center

RALEIGH, N.C. (October 12, 2011) — In recognition of National Bullying Awareness Month, Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina has created an online bullying and cyberbullying resource center. The resource center offers parents, educators, teens and children free tips and information to address bullying and cyberbullying. It is part of PCANC’s Successful Students campaign. The campaign reaches 3,182 K-12 schools, both public and private throughout North Carolina.

“All children need safe, stable, nurturing environments to thrive. Bullying and cyberbullying disrupt those environments and threaten children’s well-being,” said Rosemarie Allen Ryan, PCANC President and CEO. “Bullying impacts children’s healthy social, emotional and mental development and causes short and long term negative consequences.”

Bullying affects the child who is bullied, the bully, and even the children who witness the bullying.  When a child is bullied, the stress causes a toxic reaction that releases harmful chemicals into the child’s brain and body. Bullies are more likely to engage in risky and criminal behavior as they grow into teens and adults. Even children who witness bullying are more likely to adopt risky behaviors and experience depression and anxiety as adults.

PCANC chose bullying and cyberbullying for the 2011 Successful Students campaign from feedback received from school social workers, counselors, and PTA Presidents in 2010. In addition to the online resource center, PCANC created several Parent Pages that can be downloaded and distributed at events, placed in newsletters, or handed out by teachers. To learn more, visit www.preventchildabusenc.org.

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Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) supports the development of safe, stable, nurturing relationships for children in their families and communities to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through collaboration with partners across North Carolina, public and professional education, and advocacy, PCANC promotes, supports, and effectively replicates evidence-based family strengthening programs proven to help children thrive. For more information about PCANC and evidence-based family strengthening programs contact Maureen McKeon, Director of Communications at mmckeon@preventchildabusenc.org or (919) 256-6616.