Understanding, Preventing and Responding to Bullying
Published on in Health Tip of the Week
Published on in Health Tip of the Week
Although bullying is sometimes viewed as “a normal part of growing up” or “just kids being kids,” it is actually a harmful form of youth violence — with consequences for kids who bully others, are bullied, or even observe bullying as bystanders.
The Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has studied youth aggression and bullying and developed programs to reduce its incidence and impact. VPI experts share key findings and suggestions here for parents and kids.
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior (behavior that is intentional and mean) that occurs repeatedly over time and that involves a power imbalance. The child who bullies may be physically stronger or more popular than the child who is bullied. Bystanders, children who observe the bullying, play an important role by providing an audience, even if they seem to offer no encouragement.
Bullying takes different forms:
Research shows that bullying increases in late childhood and peaks during the middle school years. (Though verbal and emotional bullying can continue into adulthood, and can be a problem in the workplace.)
Bullying has consequences for everyone involved.
Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience:
These effects can last into adulthood. A small number of victims of bullying may retaliate with violence. Victims of cyber bullying are eight times more likely to carry a weapon to school than their peers.
Kids who continually bully others are more likely to:
Kids who witness the repeated victimization of peers are more likely to:
Watch for warning signs that your child may be the victim of bullying. Children are often reluctant to talk about bullying with adults, out of embarrassment or fear of retaliation. Signs of a bullying problem include:
Be alert to signs that your child is bullying others. If your child gets into physical or verbal fights, is increasingly aggressive, gets into discipline trouble at school, seems excessively worried about reputation or popularity, or has friends who bully others, find out what is going on. The CHOP article, 4 Ways to Avoid Raising a Bully, has ideas on preventing bullying behavior.
Talk to your child about friendship problems and bullying. Take time to talk with and listen to your child every day about what is going on in their life. Let your child know they can talk to you without fear of overreaction or repercussions.
CHOP’s Violence Prevention Initiative has created a set of helpful fact sheets for parents and kids on preventing and dealing with bullying:
Two books may also be helpful:
For more advice that will help you keep your child healthy, happy and safe, subscribe to our Health Tip of the Week e-newsletter.
Contributed by: Stephen S. Leff, PhD
Categories: Health Tip of the Week