So many kids are being bullied at school through mean kids. It is not just coming forth in the higher grades but also in the younger grades. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
Bullying – Parents Should Know About
From physical attacks to verbal harassment, know how to identify the signs of the four most common types of bullying so you know how to help as a parent.
Bullying is defined as mean, hurtful behavior that occurs repeatedly in a relationship with an imbalance of power or strength. It takes many forms — verbal, physical, relational, and cyberbullying. Although schools are doing more to deal with bullying, parents are still the key to empowering kids to prevent and stop it.
Here are tips on how to deal with the four common types of bullying.
What It Is: Verbal bullying, or bullying with cruel spoken words, involves ongoing name-calling, threatening, and making disrespectful comments about someone’s attributes (appearance, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, etc.).
Example: When a child says to another child, “You’re really, really fat, and so is your mom.”
How to Spot the Signs: Children may withdraw, become moody, or show a change in appetite. They may tell you something hurtful that someone said about them and ask you if you think it’s true.
What to Do: First, teach your kids about respect. Through your own behavior, reinforce how everyone deserves to be treated well — thank teachers, praise friends, be kind to store employees. Stress self-respect and help your kids to appreciate their strengths.
The best protection parents can offer is to foster their child’s confidence and independence and to be willing to take action when needed,” Discuss and practice safe, constructive ways your child can respond to a bully. Brainstorm key phrases to say in a firm but not antagonistic tone, such as “That wasn’t nice,” “Leave me alone,” or “Back off.”