6 Types of Bullying Your Child Might Encounter

Source: https://www.parents.com/

Bullying comes in various forms beyond physical aggression, including verbal, relational, cyberbullying, sexual, and prejudicial bullying. While some educators and administrators are taking steps to address bullying, it’s crucial for parents to recognize these different types and understand how to respond effectively. Addressing bullying in the right way can help children regain their confidence and sense of empowerment after being targeted.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying affects up to 22% of kids aged 12 to 18 and typically involves a power imbalance, where one person uses physical, verbal, or other harmful tactics to control and intimidate another. These tactics can include humiliation, exclusion, threats, and more. Bullying is not a one-time event but a repeated pattern of behavior where the aggressor targets the same individual multiple times.

Here’s how to recognize the six different types of bullying and how to deal with each one:

Verbal Bullying: Verbal bullying, or bullying with cruel words, involves ongoing name-calling, threatening, and making disrespectful comments about someone’s attributes such as their appearance, beliefs, disability, and more.

How to Spot the Signs: Children may withdraw, become moody, or show a change in appetite. They may tell you something hurtful that someone said about them and ask if you think it’s true. Older teens may say they’re experiencing a lot of drama in school but not go into specifics, while others say nothing at all.

What to Do: Teach your kids respect by modeling kind behavior and reinforcing self-respect. Help them appreciate their strengths and build confidence and independence. School psychologist Dr. Shane Jimerson recommends that parents be proactive in protecting their child from bullying. Discuss safe, assertive responses, like saying “Leave me alone” or “Back off,” and practice ignoring verbal bullying, as bullies often seek a reaction that, when withheld, loses its power.

Physical Bullying: Physical bullying, or bullying with aggressive physical intimidation, involves repeated hitting, kicking, tripping, blocking, pushing, punching, and touching in inappropriate and harmful ways.

How to Spot the Signs: Many children don’t tell their parents when bullying happens, so watch for possible warning signs like unexplained cuts, scratches, or bruises. Other potential signs include missing or damaged clothes or frequent complaints of headaches and stomachaches.

What to Do: If you suspect your child is being physically bullied, start a casual conversation to gauge what’s happening at school or during activities. Ask if anyone has been mean to them, staying calm and open. Encourage ongoing communication with both you and school staff. Document incidents, including dates and responses. Avoid contacting the bully’s parents directly. If the bullying continues or escalates, contact local law enforcement. Anti-bullying laws require prompt corrective action at local, state, and federal levels.

Relational Bullying: Relational bullying, sometimes called emotional bullying or social bullying, involves deliberately sabotaging a person’s social standing. While the most recognized form of relational bullying involves preventing someone from joining or being part of a group, it can also include rumor spreading, sharing confidential information, and manipulating situations.

How to Spot the Signs: Watch for mood changes, withdrawal from peer groups, and a shift toward being alone more than usual. Kids also may display feelings of inadequacy or indicate that they have no friends. You also may notice that their friendships may be unhealthy or that they’re being treated disrespectfully.⁵

What to Do: Encourage your child to explore interests in music, arts, sports, reading, and extracurricular activities to help them build positive relationships outside of school. Expanding their social circle can reduce the impact of relational aggression. If bullying continues and affects their mental health or academic performance, inform teachers or school administrators. However, recognizing and addressing relational aggression can be challenging, and schools may have limited ability to intervene.

Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying, or online bullying, involves haranguing someone by spreading mean words, lies, and false rumors through e-mails, text messages, and social media posts. These messages create a hostile atmosphere, even when not directly targeting your child.

How to Spot the Signs: If your child is experiencing cyberbullying, they might spend more time online (visiting social media pages or texting) but appear sad and anxious afterward. This indicates they might be reading painful things on their computer, tablet, or phone. Also, take note if they have trouble sleeping, beg to stay home from school, or withdraw from activities they once loved.

What to Do: To prevent and address cyberbullying, set household rules for internet safety, including age-appropriate time limits and awareness of the apps and websites your child uses. Encourage your child to report cyberbullying without responding or forwarding abusive messages. Document the incidents, including dates and times, and block the bully. Avoid taking away your child’s phone or social media, as these may be vital social outlets. Report the bullying to the school and the online service provider, and if it involves threats or explicit content, contact local law enforcement.

Sexual Bullying: When someone sexually bullies another person, they often use harmful words, gestures, or actions that are sexual in nature. This includes name-calling and sexual jokes, as well as sexual harassment or propositioning. Even forcing someone to look at something pornographic at school can be a form of sexual bullying.

How to Spot the Signs: Young people who experience sexual bullying may develop fear, anger, or depression and may struggle with sleep or eating. You might notice changes in their appearance, such as avoiding showers or wearing loose clothing, which could be linked to feelings of shame or embarrassment about their body, or an attempt to hide or alter their appearance.

What to Do: Sexual bullying needs immediate intervention due to the risk of escalation into more serious offenses, such as sexual assault. It often qualifies as sexual harassment, a violation of civil laws, and should be reported to both the school and, if necessary, law enforcement. Keep detailed documentation of the incidents. Additionally, consider seeking help from a mental health professional, as sexual bullying can severely impact a person’s self-esteem and may lead to self-harm.

Prejudicial Bullying: Prejudicial bullying is based on beliefs or opinions that kids have about a person’s race or religion. It can also involve bullying that’s rooted in negative views about a young person’s sexual orientation.

How to Spot the Signs: Research shows that young people bullied for their sexual orientation, race, or religion are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. They often struggle with low self-esteem, extreme loneliness, and isolation. Additionally, Black and Hispanic children who experience bullying may face greater academic challenges.

What to Do: If your child experiences prejudicial bullying, first reassure them of your unconditional support. Document all incidents and report them to the school and law enforcement to establish a record. You can also file complaints with the U.S. Department of Justice or the Department of Education. It’s crucial to address this bullying promptly, as it can escalate into more serious or criminal behavior.

In conclusion, If your child confides in you about bullying, be supportive, praise their courage, and gather details calmly. Take action by contacting the school to address the issue, especially if it’s severe or ongoing. Ensure a safe learning environment for your child, and if necessary, involve law enforcement or government agencies, particularly for criminal behavior. Mental health professionals may also be needed to support your child’s healing.

Read More: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/6-types-of-bullying-your-child-might-encounter/

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