Bullying
is unfortunately the essential element of kids’ lives and there
isn’t much we can do to avoid it. With increased exposure and
redefined dimensions of friendship amongst kids, bullying has
acquired many forms. To be able to make your child stronger and
well-equipped to deal with bullying, you need to know the different
forms of bullying that your kid is exposed to.
Verbal
Bullying
In
this form of bullying, although the kid being bullied is not
physically hurt, but verbal bullying can cause serious mental and emotional damage that can cause life-long personality defects.
Verbal
bullying includes use of cruel language, calling names, verbal
threatening, intolerant comments about one’s physical appearance,
religion, disability, family attributes, etc.
If
your child is confident and positive, teasing or verbal bullying will
not affect her much. Be there to talk to the kid when you see her
mood swings, or see her tensed for a continued period of time. If she
confesses of being a victim, talk her out of it, counsel her. Do not
intervene directly until it’s very serious and absolutely necessary
to do so. Give your kid the wisdom, serenity and strength to deal
with verbal bullying herself. This will be a great life lesson that
will come in handy throughout her life.
Physical
Bullying
This
form of bullying involves physical hurt or intimidation. This can
include various forms of physical abuse like hitting, pushing,
physical torture or inappropriate touch. Physical bullying can be
pretty traumatic for the child and in many instances kids do not tell
their parents. Do look for signs of physical hurt, injury or
molestation marks.
If
you do find signs of physical bullying, do not get emotional and take
matters in your own hand. Involve the right authorities like school
teacher or sports club coach and manager.
Cyber
Bullying
Cyber
bullying is getting a bigger threat by the day. Children are
vulnerable to false rumors, tainted images, hostile remarks, mean
comments spread across social media groups or cyber stalking. You
need establish safe-technology usage rules for your kids. Establish
age-appropriate on-line time limits. Tell your kids about
cyberbullying so that they are aware and alert. Also, tell your kids
to approach you if they become victims of cyberbullying.