Stop Bullying in Its Tracks: How Employers Can Support Families and Kids
Bullying isn’t just a schoolyard problem, it’s a pervasive issue that can follow children wherever they spend their time: in classrooms, on buses, at extracurricular activities and online. The impact of bullying is profound, leaving emotional scars that can last into adulthood. Children who are bullied are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, social withdrawal and academic challenges.
Employees who are parents of children experiencing bullying often face additional stress that can impact workplace productivity, engagement and mental wellbeing. According to the American Psychological Association, workplace stress related to family concerns can lead to higher absenteeism, decreased focus and lower job satisfaction. By providing support for employees’ families, employers can reduce these stressors, improve retention and foster a culture of wellbeing.
Understanding bullying
Bullying involves intentionally using physical, verbal or psychological actions to harm someone else, often exploiting a real or perceived power imbalance. Parents often notice behavioral changes in children who are being bullied including, withdrawal from activities, mood changes or reluctance to talk about school. Addressing bullying requires proactive communication and practical support.
Practical ways to help children cope
While every situation differs, there are proven strategies to help children stay safe and resilient:
- Notify school officials and trusted adults.
- Avoid fighting back in anger and walk away when possible.
- Use the buddy system for safety in numbers.
- Encourage open dialogue and provide guidance tailored to your child’s needs.
Beyond immediate safety measures, many children who experience bullying also struggle with lasting anxiety and depression that require additional therapeutic support. When traditional in-person therapy isn’t readily accessible or when children need supplemental tools to build emotional resilience, innovative digital interventions can provide crucial support.
Digital tools to reduce anxiety and empower children
Magellan Healthcare’s Digital Emotional Wellbeing program, powered by NeuroFlow, is a core component of our Employee Assistance Program. The programs, ThinkHeroTM (ages 6-12 years) and ThinkWarriorTM (ages 13-17 years), offer age-appropriate, interactive digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs designed to address anxiety and depression in children and teens.
Developed with a clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric CBT, these programs provide adventure-based, interactive narratives that help children:
- Recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns
- Practice situations they would normally avoid
- Build lifelong skills to manage anxiety
- Develop inner strength and self-empowerment
Participants progress through nine self-directed steps, with the option to engage a supportive adult to provide encouragement and reinforce progress. The programs are confidential and accessible anywhere, on any device.
Proven impact of Magellan’s programs
| Program | Anxiety Reduction | Depression Reduction |
| ThinkHeroTM | 29% achieved clinical reduction; avg. 5-point improvement on GAD | 25% achieved clinical reduction; avg. 1.6-point improvement on PHQ |
| ThinkWarriorTM | 61% achieved clinical reduction; avg. 3-point improvement on GAD | 100% achieved clinical reduction; avg. 11.5-point improvement on PHQ |
These results show that structured digital interventions can meaningfully improve emotional wellbeing for children and teens, offering a measurable ROI for employers who provide access to these resources.
Why employers should offer Magellan’s EAP with Digital Emotional Wellbeing Programs
Supporting employees’ families goes beyond childcare, it directly impacts workplace performance. With Magellan’s EAP, employers can:
- Help working parents manage their stress and support their children’s mental health
- Reduce stress-related absenteeism and improve productivity
- Enhance employee satisfaction, retention and engagement
- Promote a culture of wellbeing and resilience across the organization
Bullying can’t always be prevented, but with the right support systems, children can build resilience, parents can feel empowered, and employers can benefit from a healthier, more productive workforce.
Sources: American Psychological Association and Harvard Business Review