Bullying

What is Bullying?

Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behavior directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person's body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.

Types of Bullying

Physical

This one’s easy to recognize. Examples include pushing, shoving, hitting, kicking, biting, hair pulling, inappropriate touching, breaking objects, and taking or damaging another’s possessions.

Verbal

It’s really common because it is quick, direct, and easy to do. Examples include teasing, name calling, threats, intimidation, demeaning jokes, rumors, gossip, and slander.

Sexual

This one is something that not everyone thinks of as bullying. It can include using words that demean someone about their gender or sexuality, inappropriate touching of body parts, unwelcome physical contact, or even posting inappropriate photos online.

Emotional

This type of bullying is more sophisticated and often done by a group. It hurts people on the inside and makes them feel bad about themselves. Examples include leaving someone out on purpose, telling lies to hurt another person’s reputation, and humiliating somebody publicly.

Cyberbullying

Using technology is the newest way to bully. Examples include sending mean text messages, posting videos, stories, or photos that ridicule someone, and spreading rumors through social networking sites.

Warning Signs

Some signs that may point to a bullying problem are:

  • Unexplainable injuries
  • Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
  • Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
  • Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating.
  • Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
  • Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
  • Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
  • Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
  • Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

Parental Involvement

Parents can be generally unaware of the extent of the bullying and victimization problems. For these reasons, you may be uncertain how to prevent bullying. You are one of the most important persons in the prevention of bullying. Become aware and work on the problem with your child and the school.

My Child is Being Bullied

Arrange a meeting for you and your child with the teacher and/or principal.

  • Bring to the meeting the facts in writing (who, what, where, when, why, and how).
  • Work with your child and school personnel on a plan that addresses what your child needs right now in order to feel safe, what he/she can do to avoid being bullied and to stand up to future bullying, and who he/she can go to for help.
  • Be patient. The school might need some time to investigate and check on what has been said.
  • If you are not aware of it, ask about the school's Code of Student Conduct or Code of Behavior.
  • Arrange for a follow-up meeting or phone call.

My Child is Bullying Others

  • Talk to your child. Don't blame. Stay calm and make it clear that bullying is NOT acceptable.
  • Discuss with your child the negative impact that bullying has on the victim(s). Teach EMPATHY.
  • Talk and listen to your child. Share information with his/her teacher(s) and school administration. Keep the lines of communication open between school and home.
  • Be willing to attend any interviews with school to modify your child's behavior.
  • Keep a written record (who, what, where, why, when, and how).
  • Praise the efforts that your child makes toward non-violent and responsible behavior.
  • Ensure a consistent approach for consequences between home and school.
  • Consequences should be clear, age appropriate and logical, NOT punitive.

Resources

pacers-national-bullying-prevention-center

netsmartz-cyberbullying

stop-bullying-gov

teens-against-bullying

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