Bullying is not a new phenomenon. Almost everyone can recall a time during their childhood or teenage years when they experienced or witnessed bullying. Teasing, to some extent, seems like a rite of passage in growing up. We've all had our fair share of embarrassing moments that became fodder for teasing. However, bullying takes this to a whole new level. It goes beyond harmless teasing and becomes a relentless and unavoidable form of harassment. In this episode of Suburban Burnout, Megan and Laura embark on a deep dive into the ever-evolving landscape of bullying and discuss the responsibilities of parents in addressing this issue.
Exploring the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of Bullying-
Who gets bullied? 20% of students aged 12 to 18 experience bullying during the school year, with 6 graders being the most common targets.
What is bullying? Bullying can take various forms: physical, verbal, social, or electronic.
When does bullying happen? If you're a Gen X-er or older, garden-variety bullying could only take place in person. Sadly, for generations younger than Gen X, technology has significantly amplified bullying. Social media and texting increase the frequency of bullying and create a greater audience for bullying.
Where does bullying occur? While technology has expanded the reach of bullying, a majority of it still occurs in person. According to DoSomething.Org, verbal harassment is the most common, followed by social harassment, physical bullying, and cyberbullying, in that order. Technology enables bullies to engage in social harassment are target victims from behind a screen, avoiding physical confrontation.
Why does bullying happen? Studies indicate bullying is often rooted in individual characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and disability. It can also stem from jealousy, perceived weakness in the victim, or personal issues in the bully's life.
How can we help our child?
Pay close attention to your child.
Stay informed about what's happening in their life.
Maintain open and ongoing conversations with your child.
Get to know your child's friends- they might be a source of valuable information.
Be vigilant about changes in your child's behavior.
Are they avoiding certain people or social events?
Intervene on their behalf by reaching out to parents, teachers, or coaches.
Key Take-Away
Bullying is a complex issue that has evolved over time, and as parents, it's essential to stay engaged and vigilant. By understanding the various aspects of bullying and actively participating in your child's life, you can make a significant difference in combating this persistent problem. Tune in to this episode of the Suburban Burnout podcast to delve deeper into this critical topic.
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