Bullying
In recent years, bullying has gained national recognition. In the most drastic cases children have been bullied for years at a time and they unfortunately choose to loose their own life rather then suffer through the abuse inflicted by others. Kids Free To Grow would like to encourage parents to talk to their children about bullying. Be informed as the accessibility to technology and media is easier, so is bullying!
What is bullying?
Bullying means repeatedly picking on or hurting another person. This can happen physically (hitting, tripping, kicking, etc.), verbally (Name calling, making threats, spreading rumors) and emotionally (purposefully excluding someone, manipulating friendships, etc).
Warning signs that a child may be experiencing bullying:
- Change in personality (becoming more quiet, distracted or withdrawn)
- Has unexplained or suspicious injuries
- Is avoiding school frequently
- Onset of physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches, etc)
- Is missing personal belongings
- Avoids places that he/she used to enjoy
Warning signs that your child is bullying others:
- Enjoys making fun of others, thinks that other’s pain is funny
- Likes to have power and control over others
- Challenges adults authority
- Is over-using social media
- Has items that are too expensive/unexplained
How can I prevent bullying?
- Spend quality time with your child
- Vocalize that aggressive behavior is unacceptable
- Teach your child to speak up against violence
- Challenge violence in the media
- Encourage and model healthy relationships
How to help if you learn a child is being bullied:
- Stay calm
- Seek to understand how that has impacted your child
- Ask questions
- Seek peaceful solutions
How to help if you learn a child is bullying others:
- Stay calm
- Search for how the child is feelings themselves
- Set clear and non-violent consequences
- Ask how you can help that child learn other ways of coping