Recognizing the Signs Of Bullying

Nearly 30 percent of U.S. school children will be bullied or bully other children each year.

According to Melissa Holt, research scientist with the University of New Hampshire Crimes Against Children Research Center, bullying is a major problem facing the United States.

Students who are bullied are repeatedly victimized over an extended period of time. Whereas boys are more likely to be involved in physical bullying, girls are at higher risk for relational bullying (gossiping and social isolation).

Often the victims experience adverse psychological effects and poor school adjustment. They are more lonely and depressed, tend to avoid going to school, and have thoughts of suicide. Following are some tips for parents, children, and educators on dealing with a bullying situation:

For Students

• Tell a trusted adult about the bullying.

• Take a friend, or group of friends, along when speaking to a trusted adult. This creates a community of support and provides a model for how to address these issues.

• If students feel comfortable and safe, speak up when a peer is being bullied.

• Treat peers with respect.

For Parents

• Model respectful interactions.

• Talk with your children and create a space in which they feel safe to discuss fears.

• Be aware of warning signs of bullying.

• Know your children’s friends.

• Take time to connect with your children.

• If your child is being bullied, alert school officials and help your child get assistance. NEVER tell your child to ignore the bullying.

• Expect the bullying to stop. By setting a high standard, parents are demanding that change and consequences occur. They are also empowering the child to take action and shed the victim role.

For Teachers/School Staff

• Create a school climate that does not tolerate bullying.

• Respond quickly to bullying episodes. Most importantly, let students involved in the bullying episode and bystanders know that you do not condone this type of behavior.

• Develop classroom activities that include all students.

• Increase adult supervision at times that bullying occurs most frequently, such as at recess and during lunch.

• Integrate materials into the curriculum that address bullying and engage bullied students in designing policies to address bullying.

• Model respectful interactions.