Bullying in schools

How was your week? I hope it was a productive one.

Can you remember when you were in elementary and high school? Was there a big problem with bullying or being teased? This trend seem to have escalated to a new high all over the country. From time to time I have read or heard in the news where various children and adolescents have committed suicide to escape being teased or bullied in school. Some children get depressed or anxious and are unable to learn in school. On the other hand there are those children who keep it to themselves not wanting to tell their parents or teachers for fear of the bullying getting even worse. Bullying is just as common on the internet (cyber bullying) as it is in schools.

 Together we must take a stand against bullying. A good place to start is at home if you have young children or grandchildren in school. Let them know that bullying or being bullied is unacceptable. Let us teach them that we are all precious in God's sight regardless of race, or physical features. Make sure you are aware of what your children are doing on the internet (face book and twitter) and set clear expectations if rules are broken. Do not be caught saying "I wish I had"

Dr. Daniela White, a board certified Psychiatrist and founder of the Midtown Psychiatric Center in Houston Texas explains, "When it comes to a Bully, the act of victimizing someone else is seen as a way to gain power over the other person. It comes from a lack of having alternative means by which to behave appropriately. There need to be consequences for bullies, but these are also children who need help."

 Signs your child may be Bullied:

* Child appears sad, moody, angry, anxious, and these moods last with no known cause.

* Waiting to get home to use the bathroom

* Ravenous when at home (bullies often use extortion or outright steal lunch or lunch money)

* Sudden and significant drop in grades

* Blaming self for problems - 'not good enough'

* Frequent visits to the school nurse

* Child mysteriously 'losing' possessions when they are actually being taken by the bully

If you observe any of these in your child- discuss with their teacher or a school administrator.

 In His Service,

 

Vilma