BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES INC. Bullying
Mar 26, 2015
BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES INC.
Bullying
Objectives
StatisticsWhat is bullying?MythsHow to know if your child is being bulliedFamily risks that increase bullyingIs your child a bully?Cyber bullying
Statistics
Nearly 75% of Americans consider bullying and harassment a serious problem in public schools
One third of Americans were bullied themselvesSchool violence decreases – bullying increasesChildren who are obese, gay or who have
disabilities are 63% more likely to be bulliedBoys are more likely to get bulliedBoys and girls bullying is different
Source: Public Agenda
What is bullying?
Punching, shoving and hurting others physically
Spreading rumorsKeeping cliques tight and being exclusiveTeasing in a hurtful wayCertain people gang up on others
Myths
Bullies have low-self esteemBullying is the same thing as conflict
Most bullying is physicalBullying isn’t seriousBullying doesn’t happen at my child’s school
since it is in the suburbsMy child will tell me if he or she is bulliedCyber bullying is not serious
How to know if your child is being bullied
DepressionAnxietySadnessPuts self down frequentlyAvoids recess, withdraws from
activities, groupsArrives to school late – leaves earlyLoses property Has frequent absences/attempted absences
Family Risks that Increase Bullying
Lack of warmth from parentingOverly permissive parenting including lack of
limitsHarsh physical disciplineBeing bullied by any family member including
extended familyIgnoring a child in pain (bullying becomes the
outlet)
Is your child a bully?
Bullies can be difficult to discern they act charming when adults are around.
Bullies can be the popular ones
Some parents think its better for their kids to be the bully than to be bullied
Bullying is a learned phenomenon that has to do with social pressure
Think being a bully helps them fit in
Fear exclusion
Tend to: Be impulsive Are easily frustrated Lack empathy Have difficulty following
rules See violence in a positive
way Harbor anger See things in black and
white
Cyber-Bullying
What is it? When a child is humiliated,
embarrassed or threatened using the internet or any digital technology.
How it works: Direct: message from child to
child By proxy: teasing through
messaging others or “posting” Pretending to be someone else.
Motivation? Some do it just for fun or
revenge and occasionally by accident.
Preventing cyber bulling: Educating kids about
consequences and respecting others.
The BIG issues
Boost your own child’s self-esteemTeach them good problem solving skillsTeach empathyKnow the lawKnow all parties responsibilities including
teachers and schoolKnow when to step inListen to your childBig issuesBest Practices
Best Practices & Tips for Parents
Talk firstListen attentivelyPositive, positive, positiveGive praise for being braveMake it clear it is not their faultAsk your child for solutions – don’t try to fix
everything.Teach your child successful anger management
techniquesHelp your child develop their own social groupConsider if school should be involved
Resources
http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids
http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/adults/default.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0pGCC4mMkQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYJFy45HzR0