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2025 Magnet® Redesignation Feedback

The Magnet® designation for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center is the pre-eminent recognition for hospital systems in the United States.

ChristianaCare Health System was designated as a Magnet organization in 2010, 2015, and 2020 by the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® and are now applying for redesignation.

We invite patients, family members, staff, and other interested parties to provide feedback via email or direct mail. For more information, please click here.

Raising Children

Bullying

Kids who are bullied can become depressed or worse.

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Is Your Child Being Bullied? How to Help your Child

Is Your Child Being Bullied?

Bullying can happen in school, on the playground—and through social networking sites and is the intentional tormenting that can be physical, social, or psychological.

Kids who are bullied can become depressed, develop low self-esteem, avoid school, feel physically ill, and even think about self-harm.

There are few things as disturbing as finding out your child is a victim of bullying. Other than seeing signs of physical harm like cuts or bruises, it may be hard to know about bullying unless your child tells you or you ask. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring up the subject, even if you don’t think anything is wrong. Also, let your children know how important it is to tell an adult if they have been bullied. Or to tell an adult if they have seen any other kids being bullied.

Child and Adolescent Psychology

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How to Help your Child

The first thing you need to do is control your own emotions. One of the reasons kids don’t tell parents about bullying is because they are afraid of their parents’ reaction. Stay calm, offer support, and tell your child that you are going to help.

Here are safe tips for helping your child:

Reassure your child – Make sure your child knows that he or she is not to blame and should not be ashamed. Praise the courage it took to come forward and tell you about the problem.
Learn the facts – Get all the information you can about the bullying. This includes who is involved, how often it happens, and where it takes place.
Let the proper authorities know – Don’t confront the bully’s parents on your own. Leave that to school or other officials.
Encourage safe activities and friendships – You may want to ask your child’s teacher for advice on participating in healthy activities like the arts or athletics.
Have a safety plan – Talk about locations, groups of kids, and activities that should be avoided. Make sure your child uses the buddy system when at risk. Discuss where to go and whom to ask for help in case of an incident.

Bullying is a common problem for many kids, but as kids start to learn that bullying is never cool and that adults need to know about any acts of bullying, the situation should get better. Learn about your state’s bullying laws. If you have tried all the standard ways to prevent bullying and still fear for your child’s safety, you may need to contact legal authorities.

Finally, remember that many kids become bullies because they learn bullying at home. Children who are exposed to anger, shame, and violence are children who are at risk for becoming bullies. You don’t want your child to be bullied and you certainly don’t want your child to be a bully. Make your home environment safe and supportive.