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Bullying in modern society is not what it once was. In years past it was accepted and viewed as a rite of passage and many parents did not worry too much about any long lasting detrimental effects that would come out of it. Children were encouraged to stand up to a bully, in much the same way David stood up to Goliath, and the problem would go away.
Bullying has become a widespread epidemic in schools and it has reached the point where violence is becoming a very common occurrence. Bullying can leave a child with deep emotional scars and a feeling of low self-worth that can take many years and thousands of dollars in therapy in order to heal. Children need to be taught how to properly resolve conflicts before it escalates into violence and they need to find effective means to control their anger.
Children bully other children for different reasons. Some bullies are treated badly at home and in turn look for a victim to take their anger out on. Often this is a younger child who is easily intimidated and physically and/or emotionally weaker. However this is not always the case. Some children witness bullying in their households and accept it as the norm.
Many children will not tell their parents outright that they are being bullied so it is important for parents to pay close attention to their children's words and behavior and to be aware of any changes in their demeanor. Some children are ashamed and/or embarrassed and are concerned that their parents will be disappointed in them. Acceptance is very important to children and so it is important to help your child feel accepted by making sure he or she knows that you are there for them.
To help develop your child's sense of self-worth, be supportive and encourage your child to talk about the situation and praise him for being willing to open up about the difficult situation. Never encourage your child to fight back or to bully back.
Encourage your child to use the “buddy system” and to avoid being alone at school as often as possible. Teach your child to have respect for himself and for others and to learn how to effectively hold his anger. Find a way to help him cool down when a bully upsets him.
Teach your child to learn how to shrug off the harmful comments of the bully and to walk away from further conflict. Make sure your child knows that he should tell an adult about the bullying, whenever and however it occurs. Always be available to your child where bullying is concerned.
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