Addressing Bullying in Schools: 5 Ways to Seek Help and Support & cultivating supportive relationships in such scenarios.
Near 25% of students undergo the distressing experience of bullying in schools, a situation with potential long-lasting repercussions. It is crucial to understand effective methods of seeking assistance and cultivating supportive relationships in such scenarios.
Many of us have encountered situations where we felt compelled to conform to a particular peer group’s expectations at school. This might involve adopting specific behaviours, desiring particular possessions, adhering to specific dress codes, or altering our personalities to fit in. This desire to belong is a common aspect of growing up. While school days are typically filled with educational opportunities and the acquisition of essential life skills, they can also be a source of torment for some children, resulting in lifelong emotional trauma.
Today is International Stand Up to Bullying Day. Whether an adult, child, at school, in the workplace, home, online or in the community, bullying is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. If you need any further information or support, find it here: https://t.co/2rvfoD9nwE pic.twitter.com/Qb83ndF18Q
— Mortgage Solutions (@mortgagesols) September 15, 2023
Bullying Prevalence
Statistics from the 2015 National Center for Educational Statistics report indicate that nearly 22% of students report experiencing bullying during the school year. For these children, everyday activities such as walking to the bus stop or taking breaks can transform into daunting ordeals due to the presence of bullies. The impacts of bullying extend far beyond the immediate physical or verbal confrontations. It can lead to profound emotional scars and, in severe cases, result in significant physical harm or property damage. Even if bullying is not currently an issue in your household, it is imperative to engage your children in discussions about it to ensure they are well-prepared should they encounter such a situation.
Here’s one fact, you will never find these incidences of bullying in African schools. By the time you are too confident to kick another student in the face, you are not scared of being beaten by the teachers. You are mos def not scared of your parents. pic.twitter.com/6DOM19BHYq
— WhoIsHumphreyAnyway? (@Iam_Humphrey) September 15, 2023
In essence, bullying can have a devastating impact on a child’s well-being, both mentally and physically. Parents, educators, and society as a whole need to address this issue proactively. By fostering open communication, providing support, and educating children on effective strategies for dealing with bullying, we can work together to create a safer and more nurturing environment for our youth.
Combatting School Bullying: Effective Approaches
Meghna Yadav, a Child Psychologist and the Consultant Head of Training and Development at the KLAY Centre for Child Development and Care emphasizes the significance of one’s social circle during school years in shaping a healthy adulthood. She stresses the importance of selecting friends who can positively influence personal growth and offers valuable insights and advice on coping with bullying, as shared with HT Lifestyle.
- There exists a group of students who target a typically reserved classmate. This group engages in name-calling, teasing, and sometimes even public ridicule, creating a negative perception of the quiet student among their peers. They might occasionally extend invitations to join their social circle only to intentionally exclude them from activities.
- Conversely, another group of students observes a shy and introverted peer and extends invitations to participate in various activities to ensure they feel included. They provide mutual support, aiding the reserved student in becoming a more confident and active member of the school community.
While the actions of the first group may be rationalized as playful teasing rather than intentional bullying, constant name-calling and taunting can lead to long-lasting negative effects. It’s essential to recognize that children, especially younger ones, may struggle to verbalize or even identify that they are being bullied. Bullying can manifest in various forms:
The motive in a shooting at a Louisiana high school earlier this week was bullying, authorities have said.
Vernon Gordon, 16, was killed when a 14-year-old opened fire at the St. Helena College and Career Academy in Greensburg at dismissal on Tuesday.
2 other students wounded. pic.twitter.com/jTUj4S9LR6
— K-12 School Shooting Database (@K12ssdb) September 15, 2023
3. Physical bullying, involving pushing, punching, or hitting.
4. Verbal bullying, encompassing name-calling and threats.
5. Psychological and emotional bullying, such as spreading rumours or excluding someone from conversations and activities.
6. Cyberbullying, which includes sending mean texts, emails, posts, images, or videos.
If you believe that you have experienced any of the behaviours mentioned above, it’s important to consider the following points when seeking assistance.
1. Responding to Bullying
No one should endure bullying, regardless of their differences from other children. When classmates make derogatory comments about you based on your appearance or any personal characteristics, such as your manner of speaking or walking, it’s natural to feel hurt or upset. While the instinct may be to retaliate or express anger, this may not be the most effective approach.
Instead, it’s valuable to practice saying phrases like, “I don’t appreciate it when you say that,” “I don’t like it when you behave that way,” or “Can you please stop?” It’s important to constantly remind yourself that every person is unique, and no quality or trait makes one individual inherently “better” than another. Maintaining this belief will empower you to assert yourself when necessary.
2. Talking to Trusted Adults
It’s a common experience for children to mistakenly believe that they are somehow responsible for being bullied. At times, they may feel reluctant to inform adults about the situation because it might seem like they’re complaining or tattling about the bully. The fear of potential consequences for reporting the bullying can be a significant barrier to seeking help.
Bullying of Muslim students across India
The #Muzaffarnagar school video of a teacher getting her students to beat a Muslim student went viral few weeks ago. But that’s a normal routine in Indian schools. Muslim students face discrimination on daily basis.@khanthefatima
(1/3) pic.twitter.com/Z65hp7eUkG— Parkash Kumar Bheel (@DalitOfficial) September 15, 2023
However, it’s essential to sit down with someone you trust, someone with whom you feel comfortable and safe, and confide in them about the challenges you’re facing. Adults can provide valuable guidance on how to address and prevent bullying, and they can work with you to create a plan that ensures your safety and well-being.
3. Fostering Supportive Bonds
When you confide in trusted adults, it’s essential to be open and honest about your feelings and thoughts. Share your experiences and what you’ve learned from them, including the solutions that are proving effective in dealing with bullying. Engaging in such positive conversations can be empowering and gradually boost your confidence in facing bullies directly.
Additionally, seek guidance from trusted adults on how to defend yourself and assertively handle such situations when necessary. You can also establish a network of supportive relationships with your peers. Actively look for like-minded peers within your school or classroom and make an effort to spend more time with them. Building such connections can provide additional support in dealing with bullying.
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