Healthcare center will offer free support services for parents concerned about bullying

By Staff Writer

A New Jersey healthcare facility will offer free support for community members who want to discuss bullying issues.

According to NorthJersey.com, the center will open up a free hotline for concerned parents who are seeking advice. A total of three clinicians who have specializations in child services will offer their services to talk via phone.

One of the clinicians who is participating is Dr Jeanne Marron, the director of West Bergen's Asperger's Related Services. Children who have Asperger's have difficulty communicating and they are especially vulnerable to bullying. Marron said that parents can combat these problems by building a strong sense of self-esteem and confidence in their children.

The support line is part of Advocacy Week, which is being recognized by several mental health organizations throughout the region. In addition to the phone service, social workers will present a workshop titled "Helping Parents Understand Cyber-Bullying and Cyber Threats" at a public library.

According to iSAFE.com, approximately 42 percent of kids have been bullied while using the Internet, and about 25 percent have had it happen more than once.