Years ago, the bully was the big kid who terrorized us during recess or tried to “extort” our lunch and milk money. It was considered a rite of passage and “just a part of growing up”. But bullying has now been characterized as a devastating form of abuse and harassment, and rightfully so.
Today, bullying has become much more pervasive and has taken on new methods that has led, in many cases, to serious physical and mental abuse and even suicide by traumatized victims.
With summer vacation winding down and kids all across the country returning to school, I thought I’d take a look at bullying, and what you can do to protect your children.
What is “Bullying?”
Bullying is defined as any unwanted, aggressive and repeated behavior over time using force or coercion against another to intimidate and/or dominate, either verbally or physically, the bully’s intended target. The “target” is typically is perceived as weaker and more vulnerable than the aggressor.
Kids and teens who bully use their power or perceived power (physical, age, popularity, etc.) to control, intimidate, or harm other kids. Consequences to the victims include low self-esteem, isolation, a feeling of hopelessness and lack of self-worth, physical/medical problems, serious injury, and even suicide. In addition, the victims of bullying are more inclined to use alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and engage in reckless sexual behavior.
Bullying behavior may be motivated as a way to be popular or seem tough, to get attention, to act out of the bully’s own insecurity, to join a group where bullying is part of its culture, and/or jealousy of the victim or they. Many times the bullies themselves have been victimized by other bullies, and in turn perpetuate the cycle.
