Bullying In Schools

Anger is an all-consuming emotion at times, even more so now as we deal with new situations. If you don’t get a grip on it, it can affect your quality of life. Anger will damage your relationships and raise your stress levels. If anger is beginning to impact your life, start taking steps to control your emotional state.

Bullying in schools is occurring despite educators best efforts to limit it. Schools do not allow it and interfere with consequences when noticed. Yet, there are many cases that go unnoticed. We at Pathways Counseling want to help families handle these awful interactions. There are strategies you can use to help you handle these situations when they occur. Additionally, there are tools you can use to cope with it and maintain a stronger inner self.

Bullying is not going away. In fact, a bully often strikes his/her target more than once. Once a bully knows what will trigger a reaction in another child, he/she continues that method.

Forms of Bullying

Verbal Bullying– They say, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never harm me.” This is not true. Words stick and hurt a lot. Students of all ages are vulnerable and want to “fit in” with other students and not stand out. Name calling and teasing others, not only hurts, but it also becomes embarrassing. Now, with social media, these verbal moments are online for everyone to see. Students cannot leave a bad day behind him/her and hope it will disappear. Instead, these moments continue on even once home.

Physical abuse– Once a bully touches someone, it becomes physical. Forms of physical abuse include pinching, hitting, punching, or pulling someone’s hair. These interactions tend to get more attention since it is visible for many to see. Schools tend to get more involved, as there are more witnesses to this type of bullying.

Nonverbal/Emotional abuse– This type hurts a person when one is being ignored. An example is being left out of a group. Another example is being laughed at. This causes sadness, loneliness, and insecurity.

What Can Schools Do?

Schools have become proactive about bullying. Schools use programs that have zero tolerance. According to Science Direct, bullying has decreased by about 20%. These programs counteract bullying by focusing on positive messages and rewards. Teachers try to design their classrooms as a “family.” In fact, many schools have a time during the day that focuses on emotional support. Teachers discuss emotions and consequences of actions.

What Can Parents Do?

There are many things parents can do to help their children. GreaterGoodBerkely, shares ideas that include:

• Nurture your child with kind words.

• Teach emotional and interpersonal skills.

• Support your child’s peer relationships.

• Stand up for your child if bullying occurs.

• Create a home in which every member feels valued and appreciated.

• Be involved at school. Ideas include befriending other parents and teachers. Further, participating in school events.

Contact Us

Pathways Counseling Services knows that parents must involve themselves with their child’s education. It is important to attend key events at schools. It is also important to teach your child coping strategies. We can help you teach your child these skills. These skills and strategies teach emotional support, regulating feelings and increasing self esteem. We encourage you to schedule an appointment online, contact us or call our office at 480-235-1682 with any questions. You are not alone helping your child.

You are not alone in helping your child, we are here to help!