The Truth About Bullying: What It Is and How to Deal With It

Bullying is a term that is often heard, but not everyone knows what it means. Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior, that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. In this blog post, I will be exploring bullying among school-aged children. Bullying behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. There are three types of bullying: verbal, social and physical. This blog post will discuss all aspects of bullying, from what it is to how to deal with it. We will also look at the effects of bullying and how to help a child or teen who is being bullied.

Types of Bullying

Bullying among school-aged children is a serious problem that can have lasting effects on the child who is being bullied. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 students report being bullied during the school year.

There are three types of bullying: verbal, social and physical.

Verbal bullying is defined as saying or writing mean things. This type of bullying can include name-calling, making threats or insulting someone. Verbal bullying is the most common type of bullying among school-aged children.

Social bullying is defined as hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. This type of bullying can include leaving someone out on purpose, spreading rumors about someone or telling other students not to be friends with someone.

Physical bullying is defined as hurting a person’s body or possessions. This type of bullying can include hitting, kicking, spitting, tripping or pushing. Physical bullying is the least common type of bullying among school-aged children.

Bullying can also be categorised as direct bullying or indirect bullying. Direct bullying is defined as when a child bully’s another child face-to-face. Indirect bullying is defined as when a child bullies another child through someone else or by using electronic devices, also known as cyber bullying. The CDC also reports that 1 in 5 students report being cyberbullied. Cyberbullying is defined as bullying that takes place using electronic devices, such as cell phones and computers.

Effects of Bullying

The effects of bullying can be serious and long-lasting. Children who are bullied can experience physical, social, emotional and academic problems.

Physical effects of bullying can include sleep problems, injuries, such as bruises, cuts or broken bones. Children who are bullied may also experience headaches or stomachaches. In extreme cases, bullying can lead to suicide.

Social effects of bullying can include feeling isolated, having few friends or feeling left out. Children who are bullied may also suffer from low self-esteem or feel shy and withdrawn.

Emotional effects of bullying can include feeling sad, angry, scared or anxious. Children who are bullied may also experience depression or have suicidal thoughts.

Academic effects of bullying can include poor grades, missing school or skipping class.

How to Help a Child Who Is Being Bullied

If you think your child is being bullied, there are some things you can do to help. It is important to stay calm and listen to your child. Try to get as much information as you can about what is happening, such as who is doing the bullying and where it is taking place. It is also important to tell your child that they do not deserve to be bullied and that you are there to them.

There are also some things you can do as a parent or caregiver to prevent bullying. You can talk to your child about bullying and how to stand up to bullies. You can also teach your child how to be a good friend and how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. If you think your child is being bullied, you should also contact your child’s teacher or school administrator. They can help you develop a plan to stop the bullying and make sure your child is safe.

The Signs and Symptoms

If you are a parent, teacher or other adult who works with children, it is important to be aware of the signs of bullying so you can best respond. Some signs that a child is being bullied include:

• Avoiding school or other activities

• Changes in eating habits

• Sudden changes in mood or behavior

• Trouble sleeping

• Declining grades

• Loss of friends

• Social isolation

If you notice any of these signs in a child, it is important to talk to them about it. They may be reluctant to talk at first, but it is important to let them know that they can come to you with anything. Provide them with a space that is safe and non-judgmental to open up the lines of communication. Be sure to listen, remain calm and offer your support.

How to Deal with Bullying

There are many ways to deal with bullying. It is important to remember that each situation is unique and will require a different approach. Here are some general tips:

• Encourage your child to stand up for themselves. This may mean standing up to the bully, or simply walking away.

• Teach your child how to handle difficult situations and emotions. This will help them to better deal with bullying when it does occur.

• Help your child to build positive relationships with others. This will provide them with a support system to turn to when they are feeling down.

• Seek professional help if the bullying is severe or if your child is struggling to cope. A therapist can help your child to work through their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with bullying.

• Take a look at the many resources I have to support positive mental health and wellbeing, self-care and self-esteem in young people - Mental Health Resources.

If you are a victim of bullying, it is important to remember that it is not your fault. No one deserves to be bullied. There are many people who can help you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

If you are a witness to bullying, it is important to do something about it. Standing up to bullying can be difficult, but it is important. You may not be able to stop the bullying completely, but you can make a difference. Here are some things you can do:

• Confront the bully in a calm and assertive manner.

• Report the bullying to a teacher, parent or other adult.

• Stand up for the victim, even if you are not friends with them.

• Encourage others to speak out against bullying.

Bullying among school-aged children is a serious problem that can have lasting effects. It can happen to any child, at any time. There are many reasons why children bully others. Some children bully because they feel powerless or worthless. Others bully to feel more popular or fit in with a particular group. Some children bully because they have been bullied themselves. Whatever the reason, bullying is never okay.

It is important to be aware of the signs and to know how to deal with it. If you or someone you know is being bullied, please reach out for help. There are many people who can support you through this difficult time. Have you had any experiences with bullying or supporting a young person who has been bullied? Let me know in the comments below.

Don’t forget to check out the many resources I have available to support positive mental health and wellbeing in kids and teens, Printable Resources.

Rosie 🌹

Mental Health Resources Available