Bullying happens more often than people realize, and unfortunately, about 50% of kids who experience it don't tell an adult. We need to understand why bullying happens, but most importantly, we need to know what we, as parents and school personnel, can do to help. This episode focuses on how to help children who are experiencing bullying. We’ll explore the different types of bullying to understand how they affect children and what steps we can take to address them to ensure their overall well-being.
Types of Bullying and Their Prevalence.
The prevalence of bullying is alarming and can have devastating effects on children's lives. It can impact their emotional well-being, academic performance, and even their physical health. As parents and educators, it's crucial to be vigilant and proactive. To address bullying effectively, it is thus important to understand the various types and how they manifest today. Some troubling statistics show that 20% of 12 to 18-year-olds are bullied, and 70% of LGBTQ+ kids face verbal harassment. Bullying can change a person's life in significant ways. I know this firsthand because I was horrifically bullied as a child, and it has shaped how I approach relationships today, making me more cautious. Bullying comes in various forms, and understanding these types is essential for effectively addressing the issue.
Physical bullying, although less common, involves direct physical harm or threats of violence. For example, only about 6% of kids in the United States report experiencing physical bullying, but its impact can be severe, as seen in cases where children have been physically assaulted and left traumatized. Verbal bullying is more widespread and includes any repeated pattern of harassment or threatening language. This type of bullying might involve name-calling, insults, or other forms of verbal abuse. It's crucial to differentiate between one-time rude remarks and persistent harassment, as the latter constitutes bullying and needs to be addressed immediately. Social and relational bullying is prevalent, often involving exclusionary tactics like removing someone from a group chat or leaving them out of social activities.
In addition, with the rise of the internet and social media, bullying has taken on new forms, such as cyberbullying, where the harassment happens online. Cyberbullying can be extremely damaging, especially when it combines with social bullying. This kind of harassment can spread quickly online, harming someone's reputation or subjecting them to public ridicule and harassment, sometimes involving inappropriate photos.
Steps to Take if Your Child is Being Bullied.
Understanding the different types of bullying helps us prepare to support and protect children from its harmful effects. If you suspect your child is being bullied, start by having an open, non-judgmental conversation with them. It's essential to ensure they feel safe and not blamed for the situation. Look for signs like damaged belongings, unexplained bruises, or changes in behavior, such as difficulties with eating or sleeping.
If you notice these signs or your child confides in you, document everything thoroughly. Documenting incidents, communications, and any signs of distress is crucial for addressing the issue effectively with the school or relevant authorities. Keep detailed records, as this information will be valuable when discussing the situation with school officials or during legal actions if necessary. Report any bullying incidents to the school and work with them to resolve the issue.
Familiarize yourself with your state’s laws and school policies on bullying, and use this knowledge when communicating with school staff. If the school does not respond adequately, you can escalate the issue by contacting the police or Child Protective Services, especially if your child's safety is at risk. In addition to addressing the immediate bullying situation, consider seeking emotional support for your child through therapy.
Explore options like temporary home-based instruction if needed to ensure your child’s well-being. Remember, acting quickly and ensuring your child receives the necessary support is crucial to effectively combat bullying and its impacts.
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