New Bullying Prevention App released

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is launching a new app called KnowBullying. Chief of the Mental Health promotion branch Ingrid Donato says the purpose of the app is to open the lines of communication by guiding parents. “It’s a very simple concept; it’s a way of having parents feel comfortable in having conversations with their kids.” Research shows that having conversations with kids reduces the likelihood of bullying, adds Donato. “Research has shown that when you are able to engage in regular conversation with your children, ideally 15-minutes or more a day, you build in those protective factors that prevent kids from being vulnerable to bullying, to be susceptible to the negative outcomes that happen.” Donato says the purpose of the app is also to give parents the warning signs of bullying. “This is a way to give them not only that kind of guided conversation but also provide they with an array of resources that will help them to understand the warning signs if they think their children maybe involved in bullying.” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s new app, KnowBullying, is available for iPhone and Android devices.