Members of school staff may have never met anyone with alopecia areata or had a student with the condition. For this reason, NAAF has produced a document for anyone who works in a school environment. The Alopecia Areata School Guide provides lesson plans, classroom strategies, tips for parents and teachers, facts about bullying, ideas for awareness projects, recommended readings, and so much more. Why My Hair Falls Out A unique 9-minute video entitled “Why My Hair Falls Out” is designed for viewing by families and classrooms and presets children with alopecia areata as just like their classmates. NAAF’s Youth Mentor Program We connect children living with alopecia areata to dedicated young adult mentors to formulate lasting bonds while providing support and guidance on dealing with the day-to-day challenges stemming from alopecia areata. Advocacy in Schools Raising Awareness of Alopecia Areata in Schools A Conversation for the Alopecia Areata Community: Identifying Bullying and Standing Up to It Safely Speakers Barbara Truluck, NCC, Georgia School Counselor Kristina Gorbatenko-Roth, PhD, LP, University of Wisconsin Stout Individuals with alopecia areata, especially kids, are frequent targets of bullying. When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior, they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time. Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy. In this webinar, learn how you can be a leader in preventing bullying in your community. Barbara Truluck PowerPoint Slides – Supporting Students with Alopecia Free Guide to Bullying Prevention StopBullying.Gov State Laws, Policies and Regulations Focused on Bullying Helping Kids Deal With Bullies – KidsHealth Bullying Resources – American Psychological Association NAAF Support Groups Find a Support Group It is important for children to know they are not alone in their alopecia journey. One of the most important things to do is talk with others who understand what they’re going through. Parents and children can choose a local support group or join any virtual support group meeting from around the world. Support for Teens Teen Support Group for Girls (ages 12-17) This support group is an ideal place for teen girls who want to meet and talk with other girls their age about living with alopecia areata. Meetings are held once a month, and parents must sign a consent form to receive a link to this meeting. Please contact Mary Wills, Teen Support Group Co-leader, via email for a consent form and for more information. Teen Support Group for Boys (ages 12-17) This support group is an ideal place for teen boys who want to meet and talk with other boys their age about living with alopecia areata. Meetings are held once a month, and parents must sign a consent form to receive a link to this meeting. Please contact Rafi Wasserman, Teen Support Group Co-leader, via email for a consent form and for more information.
