Some kids more at risk for bullying

• Tweet

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Bullying can happen anywhere -- in person, online, or behind your back -- but there are some groups that are at higher risk, U.S. health officials say.

"Depending on the environment, some groups such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered youth, youth with disabilities, and socially isolated youth may be at increased risk of being bullied," Erin Reiney, a public health specialist at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, said in a statement.

Reiney said children can also be at increased risk if they are depressed or anxious, have low self esteem, or don't get along well with others.

Kids can help prevent bullying by talking about it with their parents and by being more than a bystander, Reiney said.

Parents can support kids by setting a good example and helping kids understand bullying and how to identify it, Reiney added.

More information is at stopbullying.gov.