Advice offered for bully victims' parents

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- If you or someone you know is being bullied there are things you can do to make it stop, officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services say.

"Parents can play a key role in preventing and stopping bullying. But first they have to know if their children bully or are bullied by others. Many parents do not discuss bullying with their children," HHS officials said in a statement.

"Some parents of children who bully may also support such behavior without knowing it. They may use power and aggression to resolve conflicts, or they may fail to keep track of and stop bullying at home."

Federal health officials advise if:

-- Someone is at immediate risk of harm because of bullying, call the police at 911.

-- Your child is feeling suicidal because of bullying, contact the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

-- Your child's teacher is not keeping your child safe from being bullied, contact local school administrators such as the principal or superintendent.

-- Your school is not keeping your child safe from being bullied, contact the state school department.

-- Your child is sick, stressed, not sleeping, or is having other problems because of bullying, contact your counselor or other health professionals.

-- Your child is bullied because of their race, ethnicity or disability, and local help is not working to solve the problem, contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office on Civil Rights.