What Better Place to Fight Bullying Than a Pediatric Urgent Care Center?

Children who are being bullied will go to great lengths to deny they’re being bullied. Tell the teacher and they’re branded a tattletale. Tell their mom or dad, and the next thing you know they’re marching into the school and raising a fuss. It’s downright embarrassing—and stressful. PM Pediatrics is partnering with the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying in New York to give children who are the victims of bullies another, hopefully less imposing option: they can talk to the urgent care doctor taking care of them. Physicians will wear pins that say Did you know you can talk to me about bullying? to subtly let kids know it’s safe to tell them about any problems they’re having with supposed tough guys or mean girls giving them a hard time. It’s a natural connection, seeing as how bullying can lead to depression and its effects, including suicide. Participating PM Pediatrics locations will also have literature on bullying, including contact information for other community resources. It’s a strategy dreamed up by the Coalition, which says it is actively looking to partner with other regional urgent care operators. Imagine the reaction a parent would have to knowing there’s one more responsible adult looking out for their child—and it’s someone they’ve already entrusted with that child’s health. Kids, especially those who are being bullied, are bound to get the message, too. Who knows? They might even be the ones to suggest a return visit the next time they’re feeling lousy.