Children who bully others come in various shapes and sizes, but those who have been bullied are possibly the most confounding. They are not only bullied themselves, but they also bully others, which is a double whammy for them. In this article, you will learn more about the devastating effects of bullying on our children.
For the most part, parents believe that a child who has been bullied has a heart of gold and would never intentionally hurt someone weaker. In some cases, though, this isn’t the case. You should know the obstacles bully victims encounter and what you can do to help your child.
Bully-Victim: What Is It?
Children who have been bullied themselves are known as “bully-victims.” Because they’ve been bullied so much, their bullying behavior may be an attempt to reclaim some control over their own life. Because the individuals they prey on are usually weaker than they are, they can feel in command and power over their prey.
Many people who have been abused attempt to regain some control over their lives by exerting power and influence over others.
Additionally, bully-victims are more common than you might expect. Some kids bully others as a form of retaliation for suffering, one of the consequences bully victims go through.
Bully victims perceive this as a way to avoid being the victim again, even if it may seem illogical to continue the harmful behaviors that were inflicted upon them.
A bully may disguise their anxieties behind bullying rather than confronting their inadequacies. Bully victims, for example, may have been brought up in abusive and violent environments. Alternatively, kids may be abused by an older sibling.
When it comes to bullying, parents are often concerned about whether or not their children may become victims of it. Many people are surprised to learn that bullying occurs far more frequently than they previously thought. Bullying affects an estimated one in six children, according to some studies.
Furthermore, while certain children appear to be singled out for bullying more than others, all children are vulnerable to it. Even kids with a vast social network who are secure in themselves can be a target. Here’s a quick guide to what it’s like to be a bullied child.
When picking a victim, what are bullies looking for?
Sadly, there are occasions when people assume that those who have been bullied deserve it—that they are weak or that they did something to provoke the bullying. However, they are victim-blaming sentiments that put the onus of bringing about change squarely on the shoulders of the wrong people. Rather than being about a flaw in the victim, bullying is about bullies’ bad choices.
However, despite what some people believe, bullying is not an experience that enhances one’s character. Bullying is a significant problem that has lasting effects on those who are bullied.
As far as bullying is concerned, the bullies are always looking for a victim they can control. It’s not as simple as choosing folks who are weaker than them when it comes to choosing who to bully. Any variety of factors, from being in the wrong place at the wrong time to having a distinctive personality, can lead to being the victim of bullying.
Bullying Victims: Common Myths and Reality Checks
Sadly, the general public has a distorted view of what it means to be a victim of bullying. Bullying victims are often stereotyped as whiners who must be toughened up. Not only does it shift the weight of guilt from the bullies to the victims, but it also perpetuates preconceptions about bullying victims.
Another prevalent misunderstanding is that bullies primarily target weak, secluded students. This, however, is not the case at all. If you’re a popular, athletic child, you’re just as likely to be targeted by bullies. A bully’s attention may be drawn to a student who is receiving a lot of it at school.
A victim of bullying isn’t overreacting in the grand scheme of things. On the other hand, bullying victims do not need to be “toughened up” or “taught how to take a joke.” The bully’s words and behavior are what need to be addressed, not his sarcastic remarks.
What Is It Like to Be a Bullying Victim?
Being a victim of bullying is not a walk in the park. It is, in fact, a harrowing and long-lasting event. Victims of bullying suffer physically, psychologically, socially, and academically as a result of their ordeal. This leaves them feeling weak, vulnerable, and alone. Consequently, it often feels like there is no end in sight and no means to escape. Victims of cyberbullying often feel these emotions acutely.
Bullying victims may also begin to suffer from major mental health concerns if they aren’t taken care of immediately. Anxiety and sadness are common side effects for those who have been bullied. Eating disorders, sleep difficulties, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all possible side effects for those who have been through traumatic events. Victims of bullying may contemplate suicide in extreme circumstances, especially if they feel hopeless, isolated, and depressed.
In the case of bullying, you should always consult your pediatrician. He can evaluate your child’s physical and emotional well-being and offer suggestions for counseling if it is warranted.
Getting your child help is not a show of weakness, so keep that in mind. That you and your child are taking action to combat bullying is a show of strength, not weakness. Your youngster can share his worries and anxieties with a therapist without fear of scorn or reprisal.
Why Bullying Victims Suffer in Silence
Bullied children often endure substantial personal issues, such as feelings of isolation and humiliation, as a result of their treatment by the bully. In addition, many people suffer from stress, worry, and low self-esteem. As a result, many people who have been bullied choose not to tell anybody about their experiences. Here are reasons why bullying victims suffer in silence.
Bullying may be frightening and perplexing for many people, which is why many people choose to remain silent about it. Because of this, most children are unclear about what to do. Many bullying victims keep their experiences hidden while deciding what to do.
According to one study, 54% of kids who were bullied did not tell an adult at school about it. Children may be reluctant to admit they’re bullied for several reasons.
Embarrassment And Shame
Bullying victims may feel powerless or weak and suffer in silence. A lot of kids feel shame and embarrassment because of this situation.
A physical characteristic, for example, can be a source of bullying for children who are already hyper-vigilant about it. Mistreatment can also take the form of being accused of anything. Either way, they’ll be embarrassed to bring it up in front of anyone.
By bringing up the subject of the bullying, they would be exposing their “fault” to others. The mere prospect of confiding in an adult about being bullied might be more terrifying for some children than the bullying itself.
A survey indicated that 44 percent of kids reported being bullied because of their appearance, and 16 percent reported being targeted because of their race.. Students reported being bullied for their sexual orientation in 14 percent of cases.
A total of 12 percent said they were singled out because they were impoverished. In comparison, 7 percent said they were bullied due to their disabilities. In all likelihood, none of these situations would be acceptable in the presence of children.
Most children who are bullying victims assume that reporting a bully will have no effect and thereby suffer in silence. 5 In addition to feeling powerless, kids also worry that speaking up would simply make things worse for the bully.
Forty percent of children who have been bullied say that their tormentors were larger and physically stronger, while 56 percent say that their tormentors had the power to influence other students’ opinions of them.
As a result, many children choose to deal with the situation independently rather than risk worsening it. They may even feel that the bullying would stop if they don’t say anything. Most of the time, they will only speak to an adult if the latter promised not to report the instances or take further measures.
The Anxiety Of Making Matters Worsen
It’s only natural to take immediate action when you learn your child is a victim of bullying. However, your proclivity to step in and cure issues can be the same reason your child hesitates to approach you.
Many children worry that their parents will make a big deal out of their misbehavior. When contacting your child’s school or other parties involved, it’s crucial to keep your primary emotion in check and not rush to take action.
Anxiety over Being Accepted
Kids often believe that to fit in, they must put up with bullying on occasion. To keep their social position, they’ll have little choice but to submit to bullying and peer pressure. Cliques are notorious for combining the adverse effects of both peer pressure and bullying.
Victimized children often need acceptance from the bullies themselves. Even if the person bullying them has a higher social status, they may endure fake friendships and nasty behavior to remain part of the group.
Bullying victims between the ages of 12 and 18 say that the bully exerted a greater social influence on them than the victim’s peers. In addition, 31% of those surveyed said they had more money than they had before.
Fear of Being Accused of a Falsehood
Teachers and parents often fail to recognize bullies as bullies themselves. They may be well-liked, excel academically, or enjoy a prestigious position in their community.
As a result, when the bullies pick on a particular victim who is prone to getting into problems, has a history of lying, or has other troubles with the school, the victim tends to assume that no one will believe what they say. They may be scared that others will think they’re lying or making it up when they tell their story.
Concerned with “Snitching.”
Most bullying instances occur when parents are either absent or are not close enough to see the actions of the children involved. When it comes to bullying, there’s often an unwritten rule of silence among friends. Because of the code in existence, bullying will continue to take place. As a result of bullying, many victims avoid speaking up because they are terrified of being labeled a “snitch,” “baby,” or “tattletale.”
Educators must ensure that they create an environment where reporting bullying is not only acceptable but expected if they want to break the culture of secrecy surrounding bullying. As a result, they must exercise caution when responding to allegations of bullying.
Lack of Self-Esteem
Many children are aware of their flaws at a young age. A lot of adolescents feel that if someone focuses on one of their faults and uses it to mock or humiliate them, they deserve the treatment.
Having low self-esteem or being overly critical of oneself can lead a child to tolerate harsh treatment from a bully because they believe the bully’s comments. Their self-esteem may be permanently damaged as a result.
Ignorance of Bullying
Purely physical bullying is more likely to be reported because it is so apparent. Relational aggression, on the other hand, is more likely to go undetected and labeled as bullying.
Sometimes, children don’t comprehend that bullying also includes spreading stories about others, isolating them, and destroying their relationships with them. Bullying can take the form of even the most innocuous actions, such as taunting.
Parents and educators should discuss with children what constitutes bullying to be aware of the consequences of their actions. Help your children recognize the value of mutual respect and support in developing strong bonds of friendship and other social connections.
Doubting Its Efficacy
But the underlying message that kids must be tough in adverse situations still remains, despite recent success with bullying prevention. Because of their own abuse, many people believe that adults won’t help them, or that the adults in their lives will view them as untrustworthy because of their situation.
If bullying victims think adults expect them to manage the matter on their own, they may be right and just suffer in silence. As a result, just 39 percent of bullied high school students report harassment and bullying they have been subjected to.
Inability to Make a Report
There is no way for kids to know if reporting bullying would have any effect when the perpetrator is anonymous or unidentified. Aside from that, they have no idea how to report the bullying to social media platforms or ISPs.
Over a quarter of cyberbullied kids don’t report it or think they can’t do anything.
Educators and parents alike must show children how to deal with cyberbullying. People who cyberbully or troll others can be taught how to file complaints.
It’s important for parents and teachers to talk to their children about how to block internet bullying. It’s also critical to show them how to use the privacy and security settings on various internet services, such as social networking apps and games.
Parents, teachers, and other caregivers should be aware of the warning signs of bullying because children rarely tell an adult about it. Kids who complain about school drama, other students messing with them, or their lack of peers may be implying that they are being bullied.
These are all indications that kids are being bullied in some way. Compliment them on their bravery in coming forward. This demonstrates your desire for an open exchange of ideas about the problems they face. In addition, it’s critical that you trust your children and commit to working with them to come up with creative solutions.
Keep your emotions under check, even if it’s challenging. The best thing to do is to remain cool and work with your child to devise a course of action. Children are less prone to become depressed if they believe they have options.
How Bullying and Anxiety Disorders are Interconnected
Bullying isn’t an easy thing to experience. Because of this, it can be a frightening ordeal for those who are targeted. As a result of the agony and stress, they are forced to endure, victims may feel depressed, alone, exposed, and paranoid. Bullying has long-lasting effects, even after the bully has moved on to a new victim. In this article, you will learn how prolonged bullying and anxiety disorders are closely interconnected.
Those who are subjected to bullying endure a great deal of pain and suffering, and this cannot be denied. In every case, bullying has a long-term effect on the victim, whether it be cyberbullying or name-calling. Victims of bullying might also develop negative effects after long-term exposure. Bullying can cause despair, eating problems, and even suicidal thoughts in some victims. Anxiety disorders are also possible because of this.
Bullied teenagers are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders.
People who have been bullied can have post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder.
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD sufferers appear to be perpetual pessimists to the outside world, but there are also physical symptoms. Symptoms include sleeplessness, heart palpitations, irritability, and exhaustion. Victims of bullying are not unusual to fear or even expect unpleasant things to happen. Bullying was harmful to them, after all.
Children with generalized anxiety disorder are generally troubled by anxiety and fear that prevents them from engaging in their normal daily routines. For example, people may lament the fact that they are plagued with the fear that something horrible may happen.
As a result, they may develop a generalized anxiety disorder due to their stress.
Extreme Anxiety Attacks
Panic episodes are a common occurrence for those with panic disorder.
A terror incident can cause someone to feel frightened in a split second, without notice. In addition, you may experience sweat, chest pain, and rapid or irregular heartbeats.
Panic episodes, if left untreated, can cause people to shun social situations or activities they formerly enjoyed. They’re afraid they’re going to have another one. That is why they stay home in case of another panic attack.
Social Anxiety Disorder
A person with a social anxiety disorder is terrified of being embarrassed or being viewed in a poor light by others.
As a result, sufferers of this disorder are troubled by a constant sense of self-consciousness. Being judged by others makes them nervous. Other people may make fun of them because of their appearance or behavior.
As a result of social anxiety disorder, some persons choose to avoid social situations altogether. Those who have been subjected to bullying and humiliation regularly are more likely to acquire social anxiety disorder. Because of this, people believe that the humiliation they felt in school or during extracurricular activities will happen to them again and again.
People Who Have Had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic or life-threatening events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Repeated bullying or abuse might also cause it to appear. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children include flashbacks, nightmares, excessive startle responses, and social withdrawal.
If your child was bullied over a lengthy period of time, there is a greater probability that he will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
People with PTSD were once assumed to be solely those who had served in the military. According to a study, even bullying and relationship abuse can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Here’s how bullying can cause PTSD in children.
Bullying has a long-term effect on those who are bullied. They are frequently plagued by feelings of anxiety, fear, insomnia, and despair, among a slew of other issues. Because of the victim’s sense of helplessness and vulnerability, being a victim of bullying can lead to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition, new studies have demonstrated that bullying and PTSD are linked. Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common following a traumatic event like bullying.
PTSD is characterized by nightmares, flashbacks, or persistent thoughts that relive the incident. Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may try to avoid triggering events, people, or locations to avoid unwelcome and intrusive memories. Trauma memories can cause emotional and/or bodily responses.
The most common trigger for PTSD is an event in which the victim felt threatened, was harmed, or witnessed someone else die as a result of a threat or injury.
According to studies, girls are also more likely to suffer from PTSD than boys. Moreover, the stress of bullying does not go away when the bullying is no longer taking place. As a result, long after the bullying has stopped, a person may experience symptoms of PTSD.
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) In Children
Adults and children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) share many symptoms but also have certain differences. Even if you don’t suspect your child of having PTSD, it’s important to be aware of these characteristics.
A list of PTSD symptoms by age for kids.
1. School-Age Children (5–12 Years)
Adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly experience flashbacks or memory issues. However, this is not always the case for children. The events of the bullying may be written in the wrong order. In addition, children may assume that there were indications that bullying would take place. Because of this, they assume that if they pay attention, they will be able to avoid future bullying incidents.” Hypervigilance may result as a result of this belief.
PTSD can manifest itself in children’s play. For example, they may continue to play out a portion of the experience again and again. However, although kids may play this way in an attempt to overcome or make sense of what happened to them, their distress will not be reduced. Sadly, this form of entertainment rarely helps to alleviate their anxieties. In addition, children may incorporate some of the trauma into their regular routines. It’s not uncommon for a bullied student to bring his own baseball bat to school as a kind of defense.
2. Teenagers (aged 12 to 18)
Some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in teenagers begin to resemble those of adults as they approach maturity. As an example, people may be plagued by disturbing thoughts and recollections, as well as frequent nightmares, flashbacks, and distressing emotions when reminded of the incident.
Teens are more impulsive and violent than younger kids or adults. Even though children are troubled by memories of traumatic events, this does not indicate that they are easily observed. It’s common for kids to suffer in quiet.
Other than PTSD, children, and teens who are bullied often experience anxiety, concern, despair, rage, loneliness, a sense of worthlessness, and inability to put their trust in others, all of which can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts.
The greatest method to avoid the long-term ramifications of bullying is to intervene as soon as possible. Observe the warning signs of bullying, as some youngsters may not tell their parents about it.
What You Can Do
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often subside on their own after a few months. However, if they do not receive therapy, some youngsters will continue to show symptoms for years.
Paying attention to how your child is doing is one of the best strategies to help them overcome bullying and deal with the symptoms of PTSD. Be on the lookout for indicators such as insomnia, irritability, and aversion to certain individuals or locations. In addition, keep an eye out for changes in academic performance and interpersonal difficulties.
If your child’s symptoms don’t seem to be improving, you should consider seeking professional assistance for your child. Your pediatrician can connect you to a mental health professional with experience treating children diagnosed with PTSD.
Bullying can cause PTSD in children so speak with the therapist and find out how they handle PTSD cases. Inquire about the therapist’s approach to PTSD. You and your child are welcome to meet with multiple counselors until you discover one that works best for you and your family.
Anxiety Management for Children
By teaching your child basic coping skills, you may be able to alleviate some of their anxiety. A practical method for some people is to express their anxieties visually, artistically, or in writing.
In addition to relieving stress and anxiety, this method teaches students to use their imaginations to express very real emotions. Relaxation techniques, physical activity, and prayer or meditation are some more options you might use to help your child.
The sooner you seek expert care for your child’s anxiety concerns, the better off your youngster will be in the long run. Your child’s pediatrician can recommend counselors specializing in diagnosing and treating children’s anxiety disorders. A therapist can also assist your child in coping with the bullying he has endured.
Bullying is a serious problem that needs to be addressed with the support of a trusted adult.
Do Bullying and Suicide Go Hand-in-Hand?
There are too many stories of bullied teenagers taking their own lives to ignore. Which brings us to the question if bullying and the increasing suicide rate go hand in hand. When people are subjected to bullying, they are more likely to experience depression and hopelessness, which in turn can lead to suicidal ideation and eventual action.
Study after study shows that bullying can exacerbate depression in both the victim and perpetrator, and can even lead to suicide. Suicide is a complicated problem. Pre-existing mental health issues or trauma from infancy can also be contributing factors in a teen’s suicide, although they aren’t necessarily the only ones.
Bullying, however, should not be ignored because it can lead to suicide. Students who suffer from depression or other mental health disorders and are bullied are putting themselves in danger of suicide.
Bullied kids, even those who are otherwise well-adjusted, might become despondent and even contemplate suicide. It is important to remember that bullying can increase a child’s risk of suicide.
What the Data Shows
- According to a Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, nearly a quarter of tenth graders who reported being bullied also claimed having attempted suicide in the previous 12 months.
- Washington State Healthy Youth Survey found that half of the 12th graders who reported being bullied also reported feeling depressed and hopeless for two weeks in a row.
- When it comes to deaths among young adults, suicide is one of the most common methods used by Suicide Awareness Voices for Education (SAVE). More than a quarter (26%) of students have contemplated suicide; 13 have formulated a plan, and 8 have made a significant effort.
- According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, cyberbullying is more likely to drive children to contemplate suicide than regular bullying.
Parents Can Take These Preventive Steps
1. Keep An Eye Out For Bullying Signs
Watching your children’s moods is one of the best ways to tell if they’re being bullied. Be on the lookout for signs that they’re becoming anxious, upset, or even expressing their dislike for school. In addition, if they claim that their school is rife with conflict or that they have no one to confide in, be on the lookout.
Another common symptom of bullying is when a student complains of a headache or stomachache, skips school, or suffers from inexplicable injuries.
2. Keep An Eye Out For Depression Warning Signs
Depression can cause many symptoms, including a drop in grades, a loss of interest in favorite hobbies, a reduction in social interactions, and an increase or decrease in sleep patterns. Excessive sobbing without apparent cause is another sign of depression. Depression can also be a symptom of extreme rage.
3. Check for Suicide Risk Factors
They may become depressed, appear hopeless, and alter their personality due to suicidal thoughts. It’s common for those who are suicidal to lose interest in their daily routines. They may begin to purge their possessions and give away or discard objects that they once held dear.
They may also see old acquaintances and family members on the way. A loved one showing indicators of suicidal ideation should not be ignored. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 if your teen is contemplating suicide and needs help from a certified counselor. To report an emergency threat, dial 911.
4. Helping Your Child Deal with Bullying
Making your child feel at ease with you is one of the finest methods to help them overcome bullying. You should also promise to assist them in resolving the problem. Insist on a resolution by following up with the institution concerned.
Bullying can take a long time to overcome. As a parent, you must be devoted to the journey through the ups and downs. For this reason, you’ll want to maintain regular touch with the school to ensure your child has the resources they require. Unfortunately, bullying typically becomes worse before getting better without any assistance at all.
5. Get Your Child Treated for Depression After a Comprehensive Evaluation
A doctor or mental health expert should be consulted if you feel that your child is sad or contemplating suicide. Treating depression is the best way to get better and stay that way.
A healthcare expert can be helpful even if you don’t think your child is depressed. If left unaddressed, bullying can have severe and long-lasting ramifications.
Suicide Threats Should Not Be Ignored
However, not every child will make a suicide threat before they ultimately take their own life. Keep an eye out for signs that a loved one is contemplating suicide. No matter how unlikely it is that the suicidal individual will really take their life, their pleas for aid should never be ignored.
Don’t leave a suicidal child alone. Make sure they have the option to speak with a counselor.
Consequences Children Are Forced To Deal With
Being a bully and a victim at the same time is a difficult position to be in, and it frequently leads to great pain. On the other hand, Bully victims are more likely to have issues than bullies. They are at the greatest risk of negative consequences. Listed below are five ways in which the predicament of bully victims can affect them.
1. Stress In The Mind
Victims of bullying experience greater mental health problems than any other group. There is a larger chance of mental health issues such as psychosis or substance misuse, anti-social personality disorder, and anxiety and depression among those with a history of trauma. They may also feel more shame or worry than conventional bullies because they have been victims of nasty behavior themselves.
In addition, they may be dealing with unresolved trauma due to their earlier experiences as victims. If you have a child who is acting out because of bullying, you should be aware that he or she may also be having emotional difficulties as a result of their actions.
Bully Victims Often Have Difficulty Socially Fitting In with Their Peers. As a result, they are less friendly and cooperative with others. It’s also possible that their peers shun them, and just some of the consequences bully victims go through.
Because they have few or no acquaintances, bully-victims typically appear to be loners. Even though “pure bullies” may be seen as more popular, victims of bullying often have the lowest social status.
Bully victims are also the most isolated from their peers, and their own bullying of others often fails to provide them the same level of popularity as pure bullies do in the eyes of their victims. According to recent studies, bully victims face greater social rejection than bullies.
2. The Volatility Of The Emotions
Victims of bullying may unwittingly encourage other children to bully them because they react violently to taunts, threats, and other forms of confrontation. They’re bullied because they can’t control their emotions, rage, and impatience. They subsequently inflict harm on someone else, and the cycle repeats.
In addition, studies have indicated that bully victims are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and psychosomatic symptoms, all consequences bully victims go through.
3. Angry Attitudes
Bullying has made these children more likely to lash out in a hostile manner when confronted with adversity. In fact, they may exhibit signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their experiences (PTSD).
Children who have been bullied tend to be less trusting of others and more tense in their interpersonal connections. Bully-victims, like those who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), maintain a constant state of alertness, ready to lash out at anyone who threatens them. There is a perception that they are more antagonistic or unfriendly because of this.
Every danger and risk element that bullies encounter, including low self-esteem, is experienced by low self-esteem bully victims. As with other victims, they are frequently subjected to the same forms of bullying. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also be an issue for them. They may also contemplate suicide.
Despite the fact that suicide is a risk factor for many more than bullying, those who are bullied may have more severe concerns with self-worth that go beyond the typical teenage struggles of doubt and acceptance.
Bullying can have negative effects on children’s mental health, including despair, loneliness, low self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. They can grow into more significant issues if you don’t handle those feelings. The most effective intervention is one that begins as soon as possible. Those feelings of guilt, depression, and anxiety can be compounded if a victim uses those feelings to bully others, leading to a continuing cycle of bullying.
Are there any skills that children can learn to help them avoid being bullied?
To create a barrier between your child and bullying, certain abilities and behaviors must be developed in your child. The likelihood of being bullied is lower in children with more self-esteem, assertiveness, and better social skills. Similarly, bullying is less likely to occur in children with strong social connections. In fact, studies suggest that even if you don’t have many friends, you may do a lot to prevent bullying.
Learning to maintain eye contact, maintaining good posture and possessing great problem solving skills are just a few of the other attributes. Another strategy to keep kids safe at school is to teach them to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid places where bullying occurs.
As a result, youngsters who have developed resilience and tenacity are better able to deal with bullying. And kids who can maintain a positive outlook despite being bullied will fare considerably better than those who fixate on the negative aspects of their situation.”
To cope with bullying, several options are available to victims.
The most important thing bullying victims can do when coping with bullying is to realize what they can and cannot control. Because they can control their reaction to being bullied, victims of bullying may not be able to influence what the bully says or does.
Additionally, they can choose how to respond to the bullying, such as standing up for themselves, defending themselves, or reporting it to the proper authorities. Because it empowers the victim and frees him from victim-thinking, taking back control is frequently the first step in bullying recovery.
Another technique to deal with bullying is to reframe the circumstance or discover a fresh way of thinking about it. Victims of bullying could instead focus on the lessons they’ve learned from the experience rather than dwell on the anguish the bully has inflicted.
There is a chance that they found that they have more mental fortitude than they previously assumed. You may have made new friends that have your back no matter what happens in your life. The idea is to divert the bully’s comments and behavior in whatever direction they take their thoughts. They should not allow the words others have said about them to define them.
In What Ways Might Parents Help?
Regarding bullying victims, parents should intervene as soon as they notice their child is being bullied. As long as the bullying continues, there is a risk that they will turn to bullying others as a way of dealing with their feelings.
Moreover, the chances of them eventually modifying their conduct are lowered if they start bullying others. Even research that tracked youngsters from fourth to sixth grade revealed that bully victims rarely strayed from their routine of bullying others.
You may prevent this bully-victim cycle by having open discussions with your child about it and letting them know what to do if they are ever bullied. There is no need for children to bully others for them to feel powerful and in control if they know that they have your support and that you are there for them.
To find a solution, parents should collaborate with the school’s administration. Several states allow victims to file criminal charges against their abusers depending on the severity of the physical or psychological harm.
To break a cycle, you must assist your child heal and learning new coping skills as soon as possible. It may also be beneficial to assist them in refocusing their energies and finding new directions for their thoughts.
Help them form social networks and boost their self-esteem, and you’ll be doing your part to support them. Your youngster will feel better and make better choices with effort and persistence.
Identifying and treating bullying’s fundamental causes is the best way to stop it. Additionally, you must work with them to take responsibility for their acts and adjust their behavior to help them heal.
Being a victim of bullying is a difficult scenario for children. You must act quickly if you suspect your child is being used as a weapon against others. Speak to a pediatrician and a mental health expert about how to help your child cope with the conflicting feelings surrounding their condition.
Does Bullying Have Any Effect on Bystanders?
Children who witness bullying may suffer the same consequences as those who are forced. Learn more about how bystanders are affected by bullying!
Seeing someone else being bullied has a powerful effect. When someone is hurt or offended, most people become upset. As a spectator, you can experience many emotions and stressors when you observe bullying. Bystanders who witness bullying are left with various negative emotions, such as stress, worry, and even remorse.
Early study reveals that children who witness bullying may be just as vulnerable to mental health problems as victims and perpetrators. And just like bullying victims, their physical, mental, and even academic health can be adversely affected by their exposure.
The Effect on Bystanders
When several people see a bullying occurrence and do nothing, it’s known as the bystander effect, and it can impact those watching. If there is only one witness to a bullying occurrence, that person is more inclined to help the victim. It is how bystanders are affected by bullying.
It’s difficult for any person to feel responsible for taking action in a group of three or more people. Consequently, they are less likely to help the victim as a group.
Diffusion Of Responsibility Causes People To Take Their Time Responding.
It’s more likely that bystanders will take responsibility for their conduct if this situation occurs. Slowing them down does this. They may not answer at all, or they may not respond at all.
Additionally, spectators may be hesitant to act because they are observing the behaviors of others in the group.. They’re assessing the matter to see if it warrants action and will wait to see if anyone else steps up. It’s easy for bystanders to feel justified in doing nothing when no one steps forward. The bystander effect is a term used to describe this type of inaction.
Uncertainty weighs heavily on the minds of some passersby. Though kids can feel it in their bones, they don’t know what to do when bullying occurs in their classrooms. As a result, schools and parents alike must provide onlookers with the knowledge and skills they need to intervene appropriately.
Often, spectators don’t know what they can do to help, but there are several ways they can do so. Kids can learn how to respond to bullying with a little help.
Another reason bystanders don’t intervene when they see bullying is fear. The fear of embarrassment or ridicule may keep some witnesses from speaking out. Worrying about saying or doing something incorrectly will exacerbate the bullying situation. As a result, they choose to keep silent.
In the meantime, spectators are scared to defend the victim, fearing getting wounded or becoming the next target. Others are terrified of being rejected. Some group members are afraid that if they stand up for a victim, their peers will turn against them, ridicule them, or even exclude them.
Many spectators are burdened with remorse after a bullying episode. Additionally, they suffer from extreme guilt for not interfering in the case of the victim. They may also feel guilty for not intervening because they are unsure of what to do or afraid to do so.
Even after the bullying has finished, the shame they feel will continue to haunt them. As a result, onlookers are frequently subjected to the same negative consequences of bullying as the victim. And that’s how bystanders are affected by bullying.
Conflict in Method and Avoidance
Approach-avoidance conflict can occur when spectators feel both fear and guilt at the same time. A conflict between a true wish to help and a strong desire to avoid a particular scenario results in this phenomenon. As a result of bullying, children may feel terrible for not intervening, but they may also be too afraid to intervene because of this.
Like they’re being yanked in two directions at once, they’re frightened and confused. Sometimes the desire to help is greater than the desire to be selfish. In certain cases, the fear of the repercussions is greater than the actual consequences. As a result, the onlooker experiences high levels of tension and anxiety due to their indecisiveness.
Bullying can cause anxiety in bystanders as well. Witnessing a bullying episode might cause bystanders to wonder if they will be the next victim, especially if it is serious or a long-standing problem at the school. As a result, the spectator may be concerned about the safety and security of their child’s school.
These worries, in turn, make it harder to focus. Bullying can cause bystanders to become so anxious that they avoid the places where it takes place.
As a result of their fear of being bullied, they may shun social events and other activities. Bystanders may join cliques or give in to peer pressure in an attempt to cope with their anxiety and avoid becoming targeted. Bystanders may even become bullies to protect themselves from being bullied.
It’s never fun to watch someone else go through a difficult time. However, it can be tough to determine what to do next.. If your child is frequently the target of bullying at school, you must provide them with the necessary tools to do so. There are several ways that teenagers may help stop bullying in their schools and communities. Bullying can be stopped if you give your adolescent the authority to intervene rather than just standing by and doing nothing.
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