BUFFALO, NY — On Wednesday, with the rise of bullying nationwide, Oishei Children's Hospital is lighting up orange for "Unity Day."
Oishei Psychologist Chelsey McCabe told 7 News reporter Jaurdyn Johnson we should all be mindful of our actions as bullying can cause severe mental health issues.
"We can be a powerful voice to stop when we hear someone saying something that is not acceptable and just calling it out so that we protect our youth."
Nationwide73% of students say they have been bullied. According to the Board of Education here in New York State, only 19% of students said they were cyberbullied but when asked if they knew someone who was, nearly 48% of students said yes.
So why the disparity? Well, sometimes it's hard for your child to tell you they need help.
Mother of two, Jessica Bauer Walker, hopes parents can learn how to help their child by just saying, "I am here for you."
"Picking up on some of those cues, and asking certain questions and having prompts, and paying attention to see if there might be anything going on is really important so that our children feel safe to talk to us."
Bullying resources:
https://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/what-you-can-do
https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/teens
Local mental health resources:
