Bullying Steps & Signs

BULLYING IS used to abuse, intimidate AND aggressively dominate others

Those who have been targets of bullying can suffer from long-term emotional and behavioral problems

FOUR BASIC TYPES OF ABUSE:

Cyber – Emotional – Physical - Verbal

PARENTS KNOW THE SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED

1. ADVOIDANCE – students avoid locations in or around school

2. CHANGE IN APPETITE – may be signs suffering from depression

3. EXCLUSION FROM SOCIAL ACTIVIES – if bullied not included in activities

4. FREQUENT SICK DAYS – missing school due to intimidation

5. ISOLATION - result in psychotic systems into adulthood

6. LOSS OF SLEEP – fight or flight mode results in sleep difficulty

7. MISSING PERSONAL ITEMS – stolen or destroyed valuables

8. SUFFERING GRADES – loss of interest in doing well at school

9. TENDENCY TO HARM SELF – due to feeling of worthlessness

10. UNEXPLAINED INJURIES – bruises, cuts or scratches not a result of activity

HELP YOUR CHILD OVERCOME BULLYING

1. OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH CHILD – build strong relationship with your child; consistently talk about their day and look for the signs they may be experiencing difficulty.

2. TEACH SKILLS TO OVERCOME IMPACT OF BULLYING – improve child’s self esteem, put emphasis on their strengths, talents and positive attributes. Self-defense classes can help develop self – confidence

3. CONSIDER OUTSIDE COUNSELING – prevent depression and thoughts of suicide

4. GOAL MAKE YOUR CHILD FEEL SAFE AT SCHOOL – it’s hard for child to heal if the school environment feels threatening or hostile.

5. MAKE COMMITMENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE – child may be afraid of retaliation so seek their opinion on the best way to handle the issue. Request school to be discrete about the issue

6. DISCUSS INCIDENTS IN DETAIL WITH SCHOOL PERSONNEL – the more concrete documentation you provide, the better

7. ENCOURAGE CHILD TO STICK WITH A FRIEND AT SCHOOL – bullies usually target kids who are alone. If your child does not have a friend consider driving them to and from school

8. CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIALIZING WITH FRIENDS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL – encourage friends to come over, to movies or other fun activity.

#leadership #youth