Bullying: How to Spot It and How to Stop it
Let’s face it: It’s hard to admit that you’re being bullied. In fact, most kids won't bring it up, so parents must arm themselves with information.
There's no magic bullet for warding off bullies. Every playground, classroom, and social networking site has its fair share of mean guys and girls. But thanks to a newfound sense of awareness and concern, families are taking a stand and working together to end bullying. Ready to join the movement? Read on.
Spot the Signs of Bullying
Bullying comes in many forms: physical, social, and psychological, ranging from hitting and threatening to shunning and spreading rumors.
. Many kids don't report it because they worry that nothing will be done or that they will be partially blamed, says Matt Woolley, PhD, Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ and adolescent psychologist with Huntsman Mental Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ Institute. He points out that most bullying at schools isn’t physical but is instead social, often called "social aggression." It’s difficult to tell when someone has been bullied since there’s no physical evidence.
If your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ exhibits signs of moodiness, anxiety, loss of appetite, and lack of sleep, he or she may be a victim of bullying. Take note if your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ tries to avoid normal activities like soccer practice or riding the school bus.
It may be difficult, but parents also need to be on the lookout for signs that their Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is doing the bullying. These include physical or verbal altercations, increased aggression, frequent trips to the principal's office, and unexplained new belongings or extra cash.
Banish Bullies
If you think your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is involved in bullying, the most important thing to do is to recognize it. Never ignore bullying and never tell your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵren to tough it out or fight back. Instead, try these tips to help your son or daughter respond in a safe way:
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Get the Facts
Gather all the information you can about the bullying. Find out who is involved, how frequently it happens, and where it occurs. -
Talk With Your Child
Help your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ understand that being bullied is not a sign of weakness. Explain that many bullies try to feel better about themselves by psychologically or physically controlling others. -
Create a Safe Environment
Find healthy activities for your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ to participate in, bully-free. Talk to your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ about where to go for help if bullying occurs. -
Monitor Social Networking Sites
Keep tabs on your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ's online activity for signs of visual or verbal harassment. -
Learn the Laws
If you've done all you can to reach out to school or program officials and your Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵ is still at risk, you may need to contact legal authorities. Learn about your state's bullying laws at stopbullying.gov/laws.
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