Dr. Joel Haber is a Clinical Psychologist and nationally recognized parenting expert who has dedicated more than 20 years to the prevention of abusive behaviors in children and adults. He is the author of the internationally acclaimed, Bullyproof Your Child for Life: Protect Your Child from Teasing, Taunting and Bullying for Good.
We sat down with him for an interview on taunting and bullying and whether they has changed drastically over the past years.
Are taunting and bullying as big an issue today as it was say 10 years ago?
It is bigger for a couple of reasons. First of all, there is so much more focus on the problem in all its forms: physical, emotional, relational and bullying through technology. Years ago, the focus was mainly on physical bullying. Secondly, the advent of technology and cyber bullying has added a new dimension to the problem of bullying.
Do you see a difference in how taunting and bullying happens today – for example social media, mobile phones?
Mobile phones, social media and new forms of technology being created every day, allow new ways for youth and adults to treat each other with bullying behaviors.
With current media coverage on Bullying and Cyber Bullying is the situation improving?
In some ways, it is improving because awareness has increased. However, awareness of bullying has made opportunities for youth and others involved in bullying to rally around the problem and find strength together to make it better.
Have you knowledge of any severe cases and consequences of Bullying?
There are many cases of bullying that are severe and have led to consequences that are pretty severe. There are short and long term consequences of bullying that can last for decades for those affected. These include anxiety, depression, substance use increase, decreased academic performance and avoidance of social experiences.
You provide bullying coaching for parents, camps, workplace, schools and sports – is bullying evident in all these environments?
Bullying is evident wherever youth (and adults) get together. It happens everywhere unfortunately
What do you think is the most important factor to bring change and help solve bullying?
Helping youth develop strong social connections is a buffer against bullying. It is critical to help build supports so kids who face bullying feel supported by other youth and adults.
Are there any other comments you would like to make about this topic?
Children need to develop Resilience skills to help them face these challenges. My new book: The Resilience Formula: A Guide to Proactive, Not Reactive Parenting helps teach these skills.
You can reach Dr Haber via his Website or his email .