Countryside Public Health

Bullying

We’ve all heard the word “bully” before, but what does it mean? Bullying can be anything that causes physical or mental harm to someone. People of all ages can be bullied or be a bully, but it is most common during the teen years. Typically it begins during elementary school, peaks throughout junior high then begins to decrease during high school. Although boys account for a high percentage of the bullying that goes on, girls can and do also bully.

There are several different types of bullying. Some examples include: hitting, teasing, taunting, stealing, threatening, spreading rumors, and intentionally isolating someone.

Bullying can occur anywhere, but the most common places are in areas where there is limited supervision or a person’s weakness may show. Some of these areas include: recess, lunch rooms and physical education classes.

Everyone reacts differently to bullying.

Victims’ signs
  1. Depression
  2. Social isolation
  3. A decrease in school performance
  4. Low self esteem


Why do people bully?

Often time’s people bully because they are insecure of themselves and pick on someone they feel they have more power over. The insecurity could be caused by several factors, but family life is a major contributing factor. Children need to have consistency and rules. Parents need to make sure their children know they are loved and give them attention. It is common to see a bully come from a home where there is little parental supervision.

Watching violent television shows or playing violent video games also increases the likelihood of someone being a bully. Exposure to violence needs to be limited by parents.



What to do if you or someone you know is being bullied

Bullying occurs on a daily bases, but often goes unreported because the victims fear there is no one to go to for help. It’s important to know that there are people in your school that you can talk to. Some of those people include: teachers, coaches, counselors, the school principal or the school nurse. Talk to your parents about what is going on; they may have some good ideas as to how to help.

If you are the person being bullied, try some of the following ideas:
  • Do not get angry and fight back
  • Say nothing and walk away
  • Act confident
  • Develop friendships and stick by each other
  • Avoid unsupervised areas
  • Change your route to and from school
  • Do not carry expensive items
To learn more about bullying and ways you can help prevent it, check out the sites below.

http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/15plus/teens/



More information for parents:

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/15plus/parent/

http://www.colorado.edu/cspv/publications/factsheets/safeschools/FS-SC09.html
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