How to Handle Bullying
If you have ever been bullied, you’ve felt the stinging pain of rejection. The words cut like a knife and the shame washes over you. You feel alone and abandoned….and you’re only 12.
Bullying and cyber-bullying are one of the most serious childhood social issues plaguing adolescents today.
What is bullying, exactly?
It is an unwanted behavior that involves a perceived or real power balance and can include verbal or physical threats and/or rumors. Cyber-bullying takes place over the phone or via computer and can have the same effect as bullying in person.
Whether we send our children to school or whether they are home-schooled, at some point, they will be away from us and around their peers. They can even be home and be cyber-bullied by reading negative messages or seeing embarrassing pictures of themselves. These messages can be spread rapidly by being shared and can be anonymous, making it difficult to determine the source.
Our kids need to be armed to defend themselves.
What can we do as caregivers and providers to help our children be prepared?
- Respect: Teach your children to be respectful online and offline. This is also a reminder that as parents, we are role models. Our comments as parents online should be positive and encouraging.
- Reaction: Bullies want a certain response from those they bully. Teach your child to stay calm, walk away, and tell an adult.
- Rehearse: Have your child memorize a firm statement if the bully is persistent, such as: “STOP! I will not fight and will report you to the teacher.” Sometimes, standing up to the bully is enough to quiet them.
- Report: If the bullying continues, it is time to discuss this with the teacher and principal. It is very important that the bullying is addressed with appropriate authority to avoid the negative consequences on your child.
- Relate: Support your child through this difficult experience. Knowing that they can come to do is a relief. Check in daily on their school and phone interactions.
For more information on bullying and cyber-bullying, please contact us at info@diamondphysicians.com.