One out of every five kids in Minnesota is bullied on a weekly basis, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. As a parent, it's not always evident this is happening, so we got professional advice on what you can watch for.

As a Clinical Director at Allina Health, Dr. Meghan Miller knows the social impact bullying can have on children. She said losing interest in things they previously enjoyed is a huge red flag, and "you might also see an increase in anxiety-like symptoms, worrying, maybe even depression-like symptoms." 

Dr. Miller said it's important parents and caregivers provide the necessary support – and part of that is picking up on the signs of bullying – like if a child starts expressing isolating behavior or there is a negative change in academic performance, among other things. 

"One of the key roles of a caregiver is being an advocate for your child," she said.

Dr. Miller said that means giving prudent advice, like discouraging fighting back. "Instead of having kids gravitate toward walking away, positioning themselves with a friend or a trusted peer if they have somebody coming at them, finding an adult, knowing their resources in the school."

As a parent, it's important to weigh your options. Dr. Miller noted, "bullying could really pull out a protective and instinctual response from a caregiver." 

Parents should understand school policies around managing bullying, rather than reaching out to the other family involved, which can cause more unnecessary stress to a child during their school day. "You could actually disadvantage your child if you attempt to resolve it on your own," Dr. Miller said. "Really lean on the school personnel to be mediators in the situation."

According to MDH, it's important that teachers, principals, parents and family members are in open communication and collaborate o address the problem. 

Bullying is not going anywhere, so as a parent it's important to validate your child's experience and provide the support and resources they need.

For more information visit the Minnesota Department of Health's Family and Student resource page with details on how to stay aware.  

To read this original story and more news, follow this link to the KARE 11 News website.