Bullying
Topic Overview
What is bullying?
Bullying is acting in ways that scare or harm another person. Kids who bully usually pick on someone who is weaker or more alone, and they repeat the actions over and over.
Bullying can take many forms, including:
- Physical harm, such as hitting, shoving, or tripping.
- Emotional harm, such as making fun of the way a child acts, looks, or talks. Writing mean things about someone in e-mails or online journals (blogs) is also bullying.
Girls are more likely to bully in emotional ways. Boys often bully in both physical and emotional ways. For example:
- A girl may form a group and exclude another girl or gossip about her.
- A boy may shove another boy and call him names.
Both boys and girls take part in “cyber-bullying.” This means using high-tech devices to send hurtful messages or pictures or to spread rumors. Emotional bullying doesn't leave bruises, but the damage is just as real.
If you think your child is being bullied—or is bullying someone else—it is important to take action to stop the abuse.
Why is it important to stop bullying?
Bullying is a serious problem for all children involved. Kids who are bullied are more likely to feel bad about themselves and be depressed. They may fear or lose interest in going to school. Sometimes they take extreme measures, such as carrying weapons or using violence to get revenge. This can lead to tragic results.
Kids who bully others are more likely to drop out of school, have drug and alcohol problems, and break the law.
What are children who bully like?
Children who bully are often physically strong. They may bully because they like the feeling of power. They may be kids who do things without thinking first and may not follow rules. These boys and girls have not learned to think about the feelings of other people.
Kids who physically bully others sometimes come from homes where adults fight or hurt each other. They may pick on other kids because they have been bullied themselves.
Children who bully need counseling. It can help them understand why they act as they do. And it can teach them how to interact with others in more positive ways. Family counseling is especially helpful for these children.
What are children who are bullied like?
Children who are bullied are often quiet and shy. They may have few friends and find it hard to stand up for themselves. They may begin to think that they deserve the abuse.
What can children do if they are bullied?
Children are often scared and angry when they are bullied. They may not know what to do. Teach them to "talk, walk, and squawk":
- Talk back. Say, "Leave me alone," or "You don't scare me." Have your child practice saying this in a calm, strong voice.
- Walk away. Don't run, even if you are afraid.
- Tell an adult. A parent or teacher can then take steps to stop the bullying.
What can you do to stop bullying?
Bullying can be stopped if people pay attention and take action.
Bullying most often occurs in school, and it is most common in schools where students are not well supervised. If bullying is happening at your child’s school, talk to the principal or vice principal. Urge the school to adopt a no-bullying policy. All children should know that those who bully will be punished. Children who are bullied should be supported and protected.
As a parent, you can help your child get involved in new hobbies or groups, such as school clubs or church youth groups. Being part of a group can help reduce bullying. Having friends can help a child have a better self-image.
Kids can help keep other kids from being bullied. If you are a kid, don't let yourself be part of the problem.
- Speak up when you see someone else being picked on. It can help to say something like, “Cut it out. That’s not funny.” If this is too hard or scary to do, walk away and tell an adult.
- If someone sends you a mean e-mail about another person, don't forward it to others. Print it out and show it to an adult.
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| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: January 31, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Frederick P. Rivara, MD, MPH - Pediatrics | |
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