Bullying is a massive problem for students. It can be physical, verbal, or emotional. It can take the form of tension and hostility between students or between students and those who come into contact with them, whether students, teachers, or administrators. Students can be victims of bullies, and school staff and administrators can also be among the victims.
Bullying is a serious issue that affects millions of children every year. While adults may know it, kids may not realize that bullying can often lead to hurt, anxiety, depression, and even suicide. It can result in feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, leading to increased physical and emotional stress. Sometimes kids even start bullying others as a way to cope with their own bullying.
Bullying is one of the most common problems children face in schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 12 percent of students experience bullying at least once during the school year. When children are bullied, they experience a range of problems, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Bullying is a disheartening condition that can affect anyone. Negative peer interactions are usually prompted by a child’s insecurities, social fears, an excess of energy, or an inability to communicate. Bullying can range from name-calling to physical assault, and it’s often fueled by children’s fear of being left out. Feeling left out can lead to depression and low self-esteem, which can then feed the cycle of negative peer interactions.
Bullying is, unfortunately, something that many students deal with at educational institutions. Some may be bullied and try to hide it, while others may bully others. It can also take the form of physical bullying, which is when another person is hit, kicked, or pushed. Cyberbullying, in which another student posts someone’s personal information online, is another type of bullying. Bullying can take many forms, and schools usually have policies and procedures in place to deal with bullying that takes place. There are also schools that have programs that specifically address bullying.
It can be embarrassing, upsetting, and even scary to be bullied at school. Unfortunately, bullying doesn’t stop when you leave school. The release of the movie Mean Girls has shown how much impact bullying can have in the adult world and highlighted the fact that bullying does not always remain a child’s problem.
How to Deal with That:
Tell a parent or guardian about the bullying
Bullying is all too common in our society. Some kids are bullied more than others; some kids are bullies, and bullies are bullies. Usually, there’s no discernible reason why a child is getting picked on, but there are ways to help stop the bullying. If you know a child is being picked on or bullied, tell someone about it. It’s not always easy to tell your parent or guardian but try your best.
Report bullying and victimization incidents to the school
School is one of the best places for kids to learn, make friends, and grow. Unfortunately, learning also comes with learning to navigate social settings, including the bullying and victimization that can arise. (Bullying and victimization are forms of abuse and, like other types of abuse, can lead to depression and other mental health problems.)
Talk openly about bullying
Bullying affects millions of students every year. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Staying silent about bullying only allows the behavior to continue. Instead, speak out openly and honestly about bullying. Start by talking to your child and explaining to them that bullying is unacceptable. As a parent, it’s important to model honest behavior yourself. By talking about it, you are sending the message that bullying isn’t something that can or should be tolerated.
Schedule a session with a therapist
You might wonder why a child who has been bullied would need a therapist. As parents, it is important to understand the importance of seeking professional help for your child in these situations. Bullying can have lasting effects on a child’s emotional and psychological well-being. The trauma from being bullied can often lead to various issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. A therapist can provide a supportive environment where your child can safely express their feelings, work through the trauma, and develop effective coping strategies. Additionally, bullied children might experience changes in behavior, such as becoming aggressive, or struggling academically. Occupational therapy, like the one available when you click here, can help to address these issues by focusing on enhancing emotional regulation, and improving social interactions. Professional support can equally equip parents with strategies to help children deal with the hurdles they face, ensuring a consistent and supportive approach both at home and in therapy.
Don’t be afraid to speak up
As adults, it’s your job to speak up and take action when we feel something is wrong or needs attention. And many of us-myself included-assume we “just know” if something is right or wrong. The truth is, it often isn’t enough to simply “feel” that something is wrong. We need to actively stop and ask ourselves if we are really sure. For example, if we’re driving down the road and we see a license plate from somewhere we’re not familiar with, your gut reaction might be to speed past it assuming that it’s a shady neighborhood. However, if we stop and take a moment to research the license plates-are they from a city we’re familiar with? Are they from a state we’re familiar with? -we might realize that maybe we’re assuming too much.
Bullying at school can be a toxic, negative, and downright depressing situation involving children. Bullies use aggressive behavior to make other children feel isolated, powerless, and shamed. They constantly undermine and demean and may call their victims’ names or embarrass them in front of others. All children deserve to be safe, and this often involves helping them understand how to deal with bullies and prevent them from ever getting back at the victim.
