October 5 is World Day of Bullying Prevention, and kicks off National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.
Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines bullying as this: abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful; the behavior of a bully. Bullies come in many different categories such as physical, verbal, sexual, and prejudicial. In each of these, the bully has a different style and various tactics of intimidation and control. Some are outright mean; however, some are sly and cunning—harder to detect until after they have done much damage.
With the increase in social media, the internet and technology, a more prevalent form of bullying today is known as cyberbullying. This type is when a tween or teen uses the Internet, a Smartphone, or other technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. The cyberbully cowardly uses the screen to say things they don’t have courage to say face-to-face. They know that they can anonymously attack their targets with smaller chances of getting caught.
Parents, please take steps in stopping a child if they are the perpetrator (the bully or cyberbully). Also, watch for signs that your child is the target of such bullying.
Here are a few signs that your child may be a bully:
~Positive views towards violence
~Often aggressive towards parents, teachers and other adults
~A need to control and dominate others and situations
~Hot tempered, impulsive and easily frustrates
~Often tests limits and breaks rules
~Shows little sympathy towards others who are bullied
Here are a few signs that your child is being bullied:
~Child comes home with torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books or belongings
~Has unexplained cuts, bruises and scratches
~Has few, if any friends with whom he or she spends time
~Seems afraid of going to school or taking part in organized activities with peers
~Has lost interest in school work or suddenly begins to do poorly in school
~Appears sad, moody, teary, or depressed when he or she comes home
~Has trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams
~Experiences a loss of appetite
~Appears anxious and suffers from low self-esteem
If you suspect your child is either the perpetrator or the victim, talk to them to find out more. If necessary, get help from school counselors or professionals who have experience working with kids regarding bullying.
To show your support for World Day of Bully Prevention, everyone is encouraged to wear a blue shirt on Monday, October 5. The following website contains more great information regarding this subject.
https://www.stompoutbullying.org/world-day-bullying-prevention
The effects of bullying are heartbreaking and in severe cases, they are deadly. Let’s be aware and proactive to STOMP out bullying. We can be a part of the solution!