What is Bullying?
Posted on September 29, 2014
Good morning everyone, I hope your weekend was a safe and restful one!!
This week I will be discussing the topic of bullying. I was inspired to write about this issue because of a recent story, aired by NBC news, about a Texas high schoolhomecoming queen that gave away her crown to a student who had been falsely told she was nominated as a prank. Bullying is not a new issue, but there have been a lot of said stories in the press. Many schools have taken action in implementing anti-bullying programs but we still have a way to go to completely eliminate this issue as a society. Only through education and awareness can we promote how important it is to stop bullying (because it can be prevented!).
Below, I have put together some key points to help explain exactly what bullying is and the effects it has on the individual who is getting bullied. I encourage you to share this article with your friends & family. Only by working together as a community can we stopping bullying once and for all!!
What is Bullying?
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.
The Roles Kids Play
There are many roles that kids can play. Kids can bully others, they can be bullied, or they may witness bullying. When kids are involved in bullying, they often play more than one role. It is important to understand the multiple roles kids play in order to effectively prevent and respond to bullying.
There are many other types of aggressive behavior that don’t fit the definition of bullying. This does not mean that they are any less serious or require less attention than bullying. Rather, these behaviors require different prevention and response strategies.
Who is at Risk?
Bullying can happen anywhere, but depending on the environment, some groups may be at an increased risk. Learn what factors increase the risk of children being bullied or children more likely to bully others and what warning signs can indicate that bullying may be happening. You can also find out how bullying can negatively impact kids.
Risk Factors
No single factor puts a child at risk of being bullied or bulling others. Bullying can happen anywhere—cities, suburbs, or rural towns. Depending on the environment, some groups—such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) youth, youth with disabilities, and socially isolated youth—may be at an increased risk of being bullied.
Warning Signs
There are many warning signs that may indicate that someone is affected by bullying—either being bullied or bullying others. Recognizing the warning signs is an important first step in taking action against bullying. Not all children who are bullied or are bullying others ask for help.
Effects of Bullying
Bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide. It is important to talk to our children to determine whether bullying—or something else—is a concern.
Considerations for Specific Groups
Schools and communities that respect diversity can help protect children against bullying behavior. However, when children perceived as different are not in supportive environments, they may be at a higher risk of being bullied. When working with kids from different groups—including LGBT youth and youth with disabilities or special health care needs—there are specific things you can do to prevent and address bullying.
This is a tough topic, but stay with me this week as we talk about cyberbullying and a guide for what parents and guardians can do.
For more information visit, this website is a great resource: http://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying/index.html
Don’t forget to take my quick weekly quiz to see how much you have learned today. There is a reward at the end of the quiz, so act now before they are all gone!
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