Helping Children Not Become Bullies

Types of Bullies

 There are mainly four types of bullies. Physical bullies act out of anger and use such tactics as kicking their target or damaging his property. Then there is another group called verbal bullies who use humiliating and hurting words such as name calling, insults and continuous painful teasing. Another group is that of relationship bullies. This type of bullying is practiced mostly by lady bullies who use rumor spreading tactics against the victim. The aim of these bullies is coax others to socially isolate the victim. The fourth group is that of reactive bullies. These bullies were once victims and turn to bullying others as a means of retaliation.

     Causes of Bullying

Poor parental care is one of the causes of bullying. Many children who become bullies are brought up in homes whose parents are unfriendly or teach their children to use rage and violence to deal with opponents. Some are taught by their parents (either by example or explicitly) that the best way to get one’s way is to bully others.

Another issue causing bullying to flourish is lack of supervision. In many instances, victims of bullying feel that there is no place or reliable person to turn to. Teachers and parents can detect and curb only a very small percentage of all acts of bullying. And most bullying victims don’t report for fear of making matters worse. They therefore suffer in silence yet, the effects are numerous.

   Effects of Bullying

The notable effects of bullying are school truancy. Children will stop going to school for fear of being bullied.tey may also develop the habit of going to school late each day. Victims may also stop talking about school or about other school activities.

Continuance bullying also makes the victim to lose self confidence, can cause serious health problems and can even ruin his/her career. Some victims may also experience headaches, anxiety, depression and sleeplessness. But, the most extreme consequences of bullying are suicide and murder.

The bullies themselves also experience the effects of their bad behavior. If they are not helped to stop it in their childhood, they grow up to become adult bullies. They then bully their mate, their children and workmates. They are also more likely to have a criminal record.

   Helping Bullying Victims

The children can be helped if, early in their childhood, they are taught to treat others with empathy. Parents should make sure that they do not leave such training in the hands of teachers. Good training should start at home. If parents do treat others with dignity and respect, children would that good example.

The victims should try to keep cool when being bullied. Revenge should be cleared out of the way as it will mean that the battle is still on. It is advisable to get away quickly. Should the bully persist, the victim should look straight in the eye of the bully and speak to him or her with a firm voice.

Then the victim may talk to a responsible adult such as a teacher and a parent about the bullying.

Ending bullying behavior is problematic. However, when it starts early in the child’s life and in the confines of their homes, when parents make themselves available to their children, listening attentively to their concerns, they teach them that they are important.

These children cannot become bullies.