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