Bullying Awareness

U.S. ADULTS CONCERNED FOR CHILDREN'S SAFETY

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If you are worried about your child's safety, you aren't alone. An overwhelming majority of U.S. adults say children are less safe today than five years ago-at school, out in the community and, for some, even at home.

A survey conducted for the American Medical Association (AMA) Alliance, by Harris Interactive, asked how people viewed the safety of children. The AMA Alliance is a nationwide health advocacy network with a particular interest and focus on children's health and safety.

"It's obvious the old ways aren't working and new efforts are needed," said Sandi Frost, president of the AMA Alliance. "It's a clear call for all of us to get more involved."

Asked, "Compared with five years ago, do you think children are safer, not as safe or just as safe in grade school, high school, college, their communities and their own homes?" a majority said "not as safe" everywhere but in the home. The breakdown:

• Not as safe in grade school - 53 percent;

• Not as safe in high school - 68 percent;

• Not as safe in college - 60 percent;

• Not as safe in the communities - 62 percent.

In addition, 60 percent of Americans say that college students are not as safe compared to five years ago. Only in their own homes were children just as safe (50 percent) compared with not as safe (30 percent).

"These results convince us that there is a growing need for volunteer networks such as ours, schools and educators, parents and community groups, counselors and librarians and others to take an active role in creating or expanding violence prevention from coast to coast," said Frost, adding, "We simply cannot sit idly by and wait for others to take action that keeps our children safe from predators and bullies."

Take Action

During National Bullying Prevention Week, there are two observances that provide an opportunity to take action, both co-sponsored by the AMA Alliance:

• SAVE Day, or Stop America's Violence Everywhere. "In cities across America, as a part of SAVE Day observances, AMA Alliance members have mentored young Americans on violence prevention and how to avoid being bullied in school," said Frost.

• Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day. This year the AMA Alliance has partnered with the AMA National Advisory Council on Violence and Abuse and the Family Violence Prevention Fund on SAVE Day to support a national focus on the health consequences of abuse as well as what physicians and their families can do to identify and help victims.

Community leaders wishing to partner with Alliance chapters in launching local SAVE initiatives can contact the Alliance at amaa@ama-assn.org.

Schools and educators, parents and community groups, counselors and librarians may obtain children's activity books on this topic for their classrooms and review and download  fact sheets here.