Angelo is a 5-year old Kindergartner attending a suburban school district in the Houston area. Angelo was referred to his school-based health center (SBHC) by his school nurse for episodes of stomach pain and headache. His school nurse and the nurse practitioner at the SBHC found no medical causes for the abdominal and head pain. The nurse practitioner referred Angelo to the SBHC Social Worker who was able to find out from Angelo that he and other classmates were being bullied by an older classmate on the playground during recess. Angelo told the social worker that the “bully” had told his victims that “it will get real bad if you tell.” The social worker was able to quickly notify school personnel to take immediate steps to address the bullying behavior and to work with school personnel in obtaining free resources to address ‘Education on Bullying with Students’. The Social Worker was able to work with Angelo and his parents to overcome his feelings of fear and to learn new coping skills to involve parents and teachers in ensuring his safety and comfort at school.

Submitted by:

Harry Livesay, LCSW

Memorial Hermann Health Centers for Schools-Lamar