Bulling has a three part definition: 1.) repeated unwanted/(unwarranted) 2.) aggressive behavior 3.) involving a power difference (real or perceived). Here are 4 questions that might help you to determine if a child is being bullied.
- How many times did this behavior occur?
- What is the specific behavior?
- Is the perpetrator bigger, older, does the perpetrator think he or she is better, have more status or belong to a specific group that is different from the victim?
- What concrete evidence is available regarding the alleged incidents?
After taking a deeper look at how you answer the above questions, you should be able to determine if the behavior is bulling. (Typically an isolated incident is not bulling.)
What steps should be taken involving a bulling incidents?
- Determine where it is happening and develop a plan to keep the bullied child safe.
- Report, Report, Report all the information that you have to the person in charge- many times these incidents happen in schools and school are responsible for keeping all children safe.
- Provide opportunities for the victim to feel safe talking about what is happening and follow-up with the victim to see if this the behavior has changed.
- Seek out counseling for the victim. Appropriate counseling would involved someone who is licensed to provide counseling with children. The counseling should involve both dealing with feeling regarding what's happened and developing strategies for avoiding this behavior and effectively response if it happens again. The counselor should be open to discussing any other issues the child is experiences.
Bulling is serious and all measures must be taken to stop it. Bulling's violence can traumatize and have lasting harmful effects on humans. Many times bullies are students who don't have appropriate social skills, have been excluded from groups, or have severe mental or environmental issues. With the appropriate interventions and monitoring these children can change their behavior and be taught how stop the cycle of hurtful behaviors.
Student learning and student safety go hand-in-hand! Together we can make a difference for children one child-at-a-time!
Have you been a victim of bulling? Do you know someone who is a bully? How was it stopped? Did you tell? Why or Why not? What advice would you like to share?
Student learning and student safety go hand-in-hand! Together we can make a difference for children one child-at-a-time!
Have you been a victim of bulling? Do you know someone who is a bully? How was it stopped? Did you tell? Why or Why not? What advice would you like to share?
