Attention Parents
Is bullying affecting your child?
Bullying: The Sad Truth
Bullying is a problem that every child faces at some time or another. Whether a child is being bullied or is the bullier, you should be aware of what the signs are that may help you identify if there is a problem. There are 10 signs of bullying that can help you identify if there is a problem:
1. Unexplained injuries
2. Changes in appetite
3. Frequent "sick days"
4. Missing personal items
1. Unexplained injuries
2. Changes in appetite
3. Frequent "sick days"
4. Missing personal items
5. Suffering grades
6. Self-harm
7. Isolation
8. Avoidance
9. Loss of Sleep
10. Exclusion from social activities
If you notice these signs in your child, it may be necessary to sit down and talk with them about what is going on and what ways you can fix this problem.
Children
Children may be weary about coming out that they are being bullied. They may feel weak and vulnerable which could be a reason why they deny it or avoid the conversation.
Cyber bullying
With technological advances, many children are prone to cyber bullying. This is a more common type of bullying you will see in girls because it is a non-physical form of bullying.
Statistics
In 2010 it was reported that one in seven children have been bullied at some point in their life. While boys are more common to be bullied physically, girls are more likely to be involved in verbal and cyber bullying.
Cyber Bullying: The Loud Silence
Cyber bullying has been a huge problem that has risen in activity over the past five years. With advances in technology, children are now using computers, cell phones, and other types of technology as a form of indirect bullying. Social media such as facebook and twitter have been major contributors to the increase in cyber bullying.
This form of bullying allows for the bullier to target its victims without face to face interaction. This is more commonly used now because it is a type of bullying that does not require the bullier to see how their actions are affecting the person they are bullying. Although the bullying may not be easily detected over the internet it is still there. You see adolescents posting pictures and comments about one another that are intentionally demeaning to another child.
Make sure you are aware of what your child is doing on the computer or their cell phone is order to solve this problem. Even if your child is not a participant in cyber bullying it is important to talk to them about it anyway. The main way to prevent cyber bullying is to make children aware of the affects their actions can have on other children and allow them to understand that cyber bullying is wrong.
This form of bullying allows for the bullier to target its victims without face to face interaction. This is more commonly used now because it is a type of bullying that does not require the bullier to see how their actions are affecting the person they are bullying. Although the bullying may not be easily detected over the internet it is still there. You see adolescents posting pictures and comments about one another that are intentionally demeaning to another child.
Make sure you are aware of what your child is doing on the computer or their cell phone is order to solve this problem. Even if your child is not a participant in cyber bullying it is important to talk to them about it anyway. The main way to prevent cyber bullying is to make children aware of the affects their actions can have on other children and allow them to understand that cyber bullying is wrong.
Cyber Bullying Virus
Stop Bullying Now
The only way to stop bullying is to be aware of the signs and also to make sure your child is aware of its consequences. Make sure you have a conversation with your child discussing the negative effects of bullying and making them feel comfortable talking to you if they are having trouble with other kids.
Taking the First Step
A big part in handling a situation involving bullying is being aware of the signs. With this is mind, you have to be the one to initiate a conversation with your child or a staff member at the school in order to stop the situation at hand.
Be Proactive
Feel free to get involved. Make sure you communicate with your child's school and let them know how important it is to make the students aware of the problem. Suggest guest speakers and other ways of getting information to the kids.
References
Berk, Laura E. Development Through the Lifespan. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 2007. Print.
Cooper, Leigh A., and Amanda B. Nickerson. "Parent Retrospective Recollections of Bullying and Current Views, Concerns, and Strategies to Cope with Children’s Bullying." Parent Retrospective Recollections of Bullying and Current Views, Concerns, and Strategies to Cope with Children’s Bullying (2007): np. PsychINFO. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. <http://0-ehis.ebscohost.com.library.acaweb.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=7deb98b3-b7b9-4e89-8171-e7520cda15b1%40sessionmgr4&vid=4&hid=6>.
Cooper, Leigh A., and Amanda B. Nickerson. "Parent Retrospective Recollections of Bullying and Current Views, Concerns, and Strategies to Cope with Children’s Bullying." Parent Retrospective Recollections of Bullying and Current Views, Concerns, and Strategies to Cope with Children’s Bullying (2007): np. PsychINFO. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. <http://0-ehis.ebscohost.com.library.acaweb.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=7deb98b3-b7b9-4e89-8171-e7520cda15b1%40sessionmgr4&vid=4&hid=6>.