When kids are being bullied, they are often subjected to incessant ridicule and sometimes physical harm. Bullies might pick on anyone, but according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, “They pick on children who appear different in some way -- those who are quiet, shy, alone at playtime, and unable to defend themselves. Children who stammer, who have a disability or who have special educational needs are also more likely to be bullied.”
Kids can also become targets of bullies because of their race, religion, physical appearance (height, weight, facial features, etc.) or financial background.
Signs that Children Might be Being Bullied at School
When kids are being bullied at school they may be too ashamed to admit it -- but there are signs that parents should watch for.
- Children might come home excessively hungry each day because school bullies are taking their lunch money.
- Children may come home with bruises or torn clothing.
- Kids may feign illness because they’re afraid to go to school.
- Children may frequently come home without their personal belongings.
- Children may be hesitant to talk about their day.
- Children might seem withdrawn.
- Kids’ grades might start to slip.
- Children might have frequent headaches or upset stomachs.
- Kids may be afraid to ride the school bus, or walk home.
Ways Parents Can Help Children Deal with Being Bullied at School
When kids are pushed around at school, parents should take their fears seriously, and not dismiss them as “kids being kids.” Being bullied is not a “rite of passage,” and it’s not harmless fun. It interferes with the quality of a child's education, causes stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. If a child is being bullied at school, parents should encourage him to do the following:
- Stay out of the path of the bully as much as possible.
- Ignore verbal attacks and walk away. Sometimes bullies get bored if verbal attacks appear unnoticed.
- Don’t walk the halls alone. Being alone gives a bully the chance to corner his victim and possibly try to harm him physically.
- Tell the nearest teacher or school official as soon as the bully starts to approach.
- Avoid letting the bully rope him into using violence.
Parents should contact school officials immediately to see what methods they are willing to take to ensure that children will no longer be bullied. Don’t be hesitant to name names, or insist that the school implement a zero tolerance policy for bullying at school.
After the immediate problem is resolved, keep a line of communication open with the school to make sure that children won’t have to worry about being bullied again.
References:
The Royal College of Psychiatrists, Factsheet 18: The emotional cost of bullying: for parents and teachers. Accessed 5-28-08
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