Before we can talk about bullying, bullying prevention, and how we can bully-proof our kids, we have to really understand the definition of “bullying.”
Kids can be mean and tease and name call.
They can be thoughtless and self-involved and not even realize they’re hurting other kids’ feelings.
Kids have arguments and fights as they try to navigate through social rules.
That’s not bullying.
When kids do any of these things and are then asked to stop and they stop, it’s not bullying.
But, if they knowingly cause harm and repeat their actions, it escalates to the next level.
So, Bullying is:
- intentional,
- deliberate and
- repeated aggressive actions
- that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power or control (ie: physical strength, popularity or the knowledge of embarrassing information).
There are four kinds of bullying that “hurt, harm, or humiliate:”
1. Social Bullying-social exclusion from a group on purpose, spreading rumors, telling others not to be friends with someone, intentional isolation
2. Verbal Bullying-teasing, taunting, threats to cause harm, name calling
3. Physical Bullying– hitting, kicking, spitting, tripping or pushing, exposure to a known food allergen, breaking or stealing possessions or money
4. Cyber Bullying- spreading rumors online, sharing inappropriate information or pictures online, impersonation, “outing” someone, online threats
Bullying becomes harassment when the behavior is targeted towards someone because of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, medical/health condition, or national origin.
Unfortunately, most kids experience bullying.
They are three ways kids are exposed to bullying:
1. They are Bullied
2. They Bully others
3. They are Bystanders and witness bullying
Bullying Prevention Resources for Parents:
How to Bully-Proof Our Kids ebook:
Join our Bully-Proof Our Kids Facebook Page and/or Bully-Proof Our Kids Support Group
Bullying Prevention Articles:
The True Definition of Bullying and Why You Need to Know it
You Can Stop Bullying By Teaching Your Kids This One Thing
How to Emotionally Protect Your Bullied Child
How to Emotionally Protect Your Bullied Child with This Magic Trick
Seeing Peter Rabbit? Here’s What You Need To Know First About Food Allergies and Bullying Prevention
What I Know About Cyberbullying from Going Viral on Facebook
How to Help Keep Your Kids Safe from Cyberbullying
How to Help Your Tween When They Feel Sorry For Themselves for Being Bullied