What Parents Need To Know About Bullying
Did you know that name-calling, cyberbullying, cruel taunts and physical bullying happen every day to children across the country? Bullying exists in many forms, and it is an epidemic that is beginning to appear in younger grades, even before middle school. A bully can turn a simple task — such as walking in the hallway or waiting for the bus — into a nightmare for other kids. In extreme situations, bullying can even include violent threats and physical harm.
If your child is being bullied, all you want to do is make it stop immediately. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help your child cope with bullying, teasing and gossip so that he or she can thrive socially and academically. Read on to learn some surprising facts about bullying, as well as how you can help your child if he or she is a victim, perpetrator or bystander.
Surprising Facts About Bullying
Children who are bullied are more likely to have emotional problems and school issues. Here are some interesting facts about bullying:
1. Girls are more exposed to indirect bullying compared to boys.
2. In the U.S., about 1 in 5 pupils ages 12 to 18 have been bullied throughout the academic year.
3. Verbal harassment is the most common type of bullying, followed by social harassment, physical bullying and cyberbullying.
How to Help Your Child If He or She Is a Victim
If your child is being bullied, you may feel angry, sad and even helpless. These emotional responses are natural; however, it’s important to become an effective advocate for your child. Follow these steps to help your child feel safe, valued, loved and protected:
1. Talk with your youngster. Listen without judgement and provide a safe, supportive place where your child can discuss his or her feelings. Let your kid know that you are there to help.
2. Support and empower your child. Discuss ways in which you can help your youngster create an action plan to stop the bullying. Consider intervention strategies, such as working with the school and teachers.
How to Help Your Child If He or She Is a Bully
No parent wants to hear that his or her child is a bully. Follow these steps to help your youngster stop any bullying behavior:
1. Explore the reasons for the behavior. Find out why your child is behaving in a negative manner that is harmful to his or her peers. Have an open and non-judgmental discussion. Ask your child if he or she is experiencing peer pressure from friends at school or if there are any issues at home that may be a source of the behavior. Common reasons children bully include wanting to fit in, being bullied at home and looking for attention.
2. Demonstrate that there are consequences. Let your child know that bullying is not acceptable under any circumstances and neither you nor the school will tolerate it.
3. Reach out to school personnel. Talk to teachers, social workers and other school personnel and share information about your concerns.
4. Model respectful behavior. Teach by example and model positive social behaviors that encourage and support others. Help your child learn healthy ways to resolve conflict and cope with feelings.
5. Seek professional help, if needed. Reach out to your child’s physician, coach or a psychologist to help your child understand and deal with the bullying behavior.
How to Help Your Child If He or She Is a Bystander
If your child is a bystander in a bullying situation, it’s important for him or her to take action to stop the behavior. Here’s how you can empower your child to respond to a bullying incident:
1. Encourage your youngster to report any issues. Tell your child to walk away calmly from a bullying incident and go find help. If the bullying isn’t reported, it will most likely continue.
2. Tell your child not to intervene in a physical altercation. In a situation where a student’s physical safety is at risk, it’s important for your child to seek help instead of intervening.
These days, bullying is much more subtle than fistfights and stolen lunch money. Whether it’s through social media, text messages, name-calling or physical abuse, bullying can leave a negative lasting impact into adulthood.
Bullying should not be tolerated or ignored; it requires adult intervention and swift action. The faster you can recognize the signs of bullying, the faster you can help a child in need. Share your story and tell us what you think in the comment section.
AUTHOR BIO: Kids Car Donations is a national organization that accepts vehicle donations to better the lives of children. The organization partners with a number of well-known nonprofits serving children and teens who are confronted with physical, mental and emotional challenges to provide the care they need.