Bullies and Victims: Facts not Myths

What You Need To Know

Bullies often have large groups of friends, and peers consider them “cool.” This status affirms their self-esteem, and they seem like leaders on campus. Their victims withdraw from the spotlight and are reluctant to participate in peer activities. They aren’t a type or category of kid; they are situational targets chosen for their vulnerability within the crowd. Most importantly, bullying is not about the two kids; it’s a public.

How You Can Help

The public aspect of bullying offers parents a chance to get involved, and adults must intervene to stop the intimidation.

• Intervention for victims needs to teach them that it’s not their fault. Victims need parents to help them build self-esteem and connect with peers to form a support network. Specific, detailed praise and involvement in activities outside of school help victims move on.
• Bullies do not need self-esteem bolstering. They need to learn strategies for dealing with anger and blame and appropriate behaviors for resolving the impulse to pick on someone. Outdoor physical exertion with parent—clearing a field, painting the garage—can work their energies and provide time to talk.
• Schools and communities need to learn that bullying is a problem for everyone. There aren’t “innocent bystanders”. School policy must be clear and enforced: bullying will not be tolerated. Witnesses need a safe method for reporting incidents or warning adults about brewing tensions.

For more information, please see the full article:

www.education.com/reference/article/bullying-myths-facts/