Help stop the rampantspread of bullying
Many parents have had to deal with the long-term consequences of their child being bullied at school, so it is important to be aware of any bullying and resolve it quickly.
MALALANE – The after-effects of bullying can include children falling into depression, growing violent towards others or, in severe cases, committing or attempting to commit suicide.
July is National Mental Illness Awareness Month and a great time for schools to review their policies regarding bullying and violence, as well as to raise awareness of the effects of these problems on children.
Bullying is when someone deliberately and repeatedly hurts someone over a long period of time. Bullies usually target someone who has some kind of vulnerability.
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They physically abuse the victim by hitting, pushing them off playground equipment and otherwise injuring them. Verbal abuse includes mocking, shouting or continuously criticising someone. Relational bullying includes spreading rumours and pressuring peers to exclude or hurt the victim.
With children increasingly equipped with smartphones and access to the Internet, bullying is no longer just a playground or classroom activity. Bullies can stalk, intimidate or embarrass their victims via social media, Internet chat rooms and cellphones and still remain anonymous.
READ: Teens and sexual cyberbullying – the criminal consequences
Parents are urged to speak to their children about their activities on the Internet and social media and to form a family policy. It is important that children immediately notify a parent if they are being victimised online and to learn how to take screenshots and save proof of bullying, ensuring the culprit is dealt with.
Cyberbullying should not be viewed as any less serious than emotional or physical bullying, as it may have a lasting emotional impact on the victim.
According to Shouqat Mugjenker, mental health portfolio manager at Pharma Dynamics, an estimated 41 per cent of children in South Africa are victims of some form of bullying.
A few recent studies have found that some victims still suffer the effects into middle age. This includes poor health, more psychological stress, anxiety disorders and poor cognitive functioning.
READ: Bullying is not ok, PERIOD!
Parents are urged to get the children together and talk about how bullying is unacceptable and urge them to talk to them or a teacher if they are a victim.
Some children will appreciate if you explain a scenario and how they can react and handle the bully, whether they are the victim or someone who has witnessed bullying.
Children should be taught to help a victim or to call an adult for assistance. Bullying should also be reported to the school and a policy should be in place to handle these incidents.
