A lot of people have a good idea of what bullying is because they see it every day. Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior that is intentional – it is not accidental or done in fun – and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying may be physical actions like punching, shoving, spreading bad rumors about people or keeping certain people out of a certain group. Bullying may also happen online or electronically. Cyberbullying is when individuals bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This may include sending mean texts, emails, or instant messages or even using someone else’s user name to spread rumors or lies about someone.
Bullying is not the same as a “conflict” and must be addressed differently than with typical conflict-resolution or mediation strategies. The appropriate message in cases of bullying should be, “Bullying is wrong and no one deserves to be bullied. We are going to do everything we can to stop it.”
Bullying not only seriously undermines the mental well being, academic work, and physical health of the individuals who are targeted but also those of entire families and communities. Children who are bullied are more likely than other children to have lower self-esteem; and higher rates of depression, loneliness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and physical ailments such as headaches, sleeping problems, and stomach pains. Children who bully are also more likely than other children to be engaged in other antisocial, violent, or troubling behaviors. Bullying has even been shown to negatively affect children who observe the bullying going on around them, even if they aren’t directly targeted.
Bullying can be difficult to deal with, especially if a loved one is involved. But there are things you can do to help. The following are some possible strategies to address bullying:
- Learn as much as you can about bullying among children and youth.
- Talk openly and directly with children in your family or community about bullying and your expectations about their behavior. Children and youth should know that you expect not only that they do not bully others but are also helpful and kind to children and youth who are bullied by reporting the bullying to someone in charge.
- Be watchful for possible signs of bullying among children in your family, such as unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches, spending a lot of time alone, being afraid of going to school, unexplained sadness or moodiness, or frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical ailments.
- Take immediate action if you suspect bullying.
- Work with school personnel and other adults in your community to prevent and reduce bullying.
For more information about bullying and ways to prevent these harmful behaviors, visit http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/.
