December 10, 2014 - HPD is asking for your help in fighting bullying among kids.

HPD Senior Police Officer Joe Sanchez says there are three types of bullying that parents should know about: physical, emotional and cyberbullying.

Physical bullying involves someone physically assaulting a victim, whereas emotional bullying involves an individual speaking badly about someone, either by hurting feelings or tarnishing one's reputation. Cyberbullying occurs when a bully uses the internet or social media to engage in emotional bullying.

Some of the signs a child is being bullied include:

§ The child doesn't want go to school. He or she may pretend to be sick, offer excuses such as not having done the homework, etc.

§ The child comes home unusually hungry because a bully took his/her lunch, money or the child is scared to eat where the bully is present.

§ The child is depressed

The results of bullying can be serious. It can cause children to isolate themselves, become depressed, and give them a diminished sense of self-worth.

Parents who suspect their child is being bullied should not confront the suspected bully or the bully’s parents. Instead, parents are encouraged to speak to a school teacher or counselor about their concerns.

For more information, go to: https://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/brochures/english/Bullying_Pamphlet.pdf

Video links to interviews with Officer Sanchez can be found at:

Signs and Forms of Bullying:

https://youtu.be/FnMACIYRFck

Signs Someone May be a Bully:

https://youtu.be/pGQcZwmwIXE

Spanish Language Interview:

https://youtu.be/n8O9PKzbZiU

KJS/JFC 12-10-14