While researching and preparing several blog posts for the Bloggers Unite Against Abuse Challenge, the topic of Bullying suddenly popped into my mind. With the prevalence of this type of abuse, I would be remiss not to include a post on bullying. Every day thousands of children and teens wake up afraid to go to school. Bullying is a problem that affects millions of students of all races and classes. Surveys indicate that as many as half of all children are bullied at some time during their school years, and at least 10% are bullied on a regular basis.

Children who are bullied experience real suffering that can interfere with their social and emotional development, as well as their school performance. Some victims of bullying have even attempted suicide rather than continue to endure such harassment and punishment.

Studies show that people who are abused by their peers are at risk for mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, stress, depression, or anxiety. Children and adolescents who bully thrive on controlling or dominating others. They have often been the victims of physical abuse or bullying themselves. Bullies may also be depressed, angry or upset about events at school or at home.

Children targeted by bullies also tend to fit a particular profile. Bullies often choose children who are passive, easily intimidated, or have few friends. Victims may also be smaller or younger, and have a harder time defending themselves. Observers standing by doing nothing are ultimately just as guilty of the bully. What Can Be Done?

Encourage your child to be with friends when traveling back and forth from school, during shopping trips, or on other outings. Bullies are less likely to pick on a child in a group.

Don’t encourage your child to fight back. Instead, suggest that he or she try walking away to avoid the bully, or that they seek help from a teacher, coach, or other adult.

Help your child practice being assertive. The simple act of insisting that the bully leave him alone may have a surprising effect. Explain to your child that the bully’s true goal is to get a response.

Seek help from your child’s teacher or the school guidance counselor. Most bullying occurs on playgrounds, in lunchrooms, and bathrooms, on school buses or in unsupervised halls. Ask the school administrators to find out about programs other schools and communities have used to help combat bullying, such as peer mediation, conflict resolution, and anger management training, and increased adult supervision.

Anti-Bullying Pledges-Launch anti-bullying campaigns in schools across the country. Get involved!

Anti-Bullying Pledge For Students

Anti-Bullying Pledge For Parents

Anti-Bullying Pledge For Teachers And Faculty

Educate yourself with helpful and informative books that teach effective ways of combating this ever increasing problem in society.

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