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STOMP Out Bullying
Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines bullying as this: abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful; the behavior of a bully. Bullies come in many different categories such as physical, verbal, sexual, and prejudicial. In each of these, the bully has a different style and various tactics of intimidation and control. Some are outright mean; however, some are sly and cunning—harder to detect until after they have done much damage.
With the increase in social media, the internet and technology, a more prevalent form of bullying today is known as cyberbullying. This type is when a tween or teen uses the Internet, a Smartphone, or other technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. The cyberbully cowardly uses the screen to say things they don’t have courage to say face-to-face. They know that they can anonymously attack their targets with smaller chances of getting caught. Parents, please take steps in stopping a child if they are the perpetrator (the bully or cyberbully). Also, watch for signs that your child is the target of such bullying.
Here are a few signs that your child may be a bully:
- Positive views towards violence
- Often aggressive towards parents, teachers and other adults
- A need to control and dominate others and situations
- Hot tempered, impulsive and easily frustrates
- Often tests limits and breaks rules
- Shows little sympathy towards others who are bullied
Here are a few signs that your child is being bullied:
- Child comes home with torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books or belongings
- Has unexplained cuts, bruises and scratches
- as few, if any friends with whom he or she spends time
- Seems afraid of going to school or taking part in organized activities with peers
- Has lost interest in school work or suddenly begins to do poorly in school
- Appears sad, moody, teary, or depressed when he or she comes home
- Has trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams
- Experiences a loss of appetite
- Appears anxious and suffers from low self-esteem
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