How to deal with Bullying in School | Ezyschooling
Victims of bullying are at risk for a variety of mental health concerns. Some of them are at risk of experiencing acute stress or trauma reaction. To know more about it and explain its solutions we have with us Ashwini Malviya.
Ashwini Malviya is a Counseling Psychologist & Psychotherapist. She has also done MBA, PGIT, MA(Counseling Psychology). She is a Certified REBT therapist (Mumbai).
Time Stamps:
(01:18-08:32) Whatis your definition of bullying as a psychologist?
(08:38-11:32) What are the symptoms by which parents and teachers can recognize that the child is being bullied?
(11:38-14:32) What is the difference between bullying and normal conflict between peers?
(14:36-18:56) What impact does bullying cause on small children?
(19:02-22:55) How can children overcome the trauma of bullying?
(23:00-29:27) How can parents play a vital role in the overcoming process?
(29:37-36:08) What do you think is going on in the minds of the person who are bullying others? How can their minds be controlled?
(36:15-39:18) Any advice you would like to give our viewers on overcoming bullying.
Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
Bullying can exist in many forms: It can be physical (pushing, punching, or hitting); verbal (name-calling or threats); or psychological and emotional (spreading rumors or excluding someone from a conversation or activity).
And with the pervasive use of social media, inappropriate behavior between kids can occur outside of school hours via emails, text messages, and Facebook posts. These exchanges, known as cyberbullying, can be particularly hurtful and aggressive, and their harmful effects are often brought back into school the next day.
The first step to dealing with bullies is knowing when your child is a victim.
"Typical bullying symptoms include physical complaints such as tummy aches, as well as worries and fears, and a child not wanting to go to school," says Steven Pastyrnak, Ph.D., the Division Chief of Psychology at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. "A normal defense is to avoid or withdraw from things that are making her stressed."
These symptoms are exclusive to bullying though. “You still need to find out what's going on," says Lauren Hyman Kaplan, a school counselor and a specialist in social-emotional education and bullying prevention.
Ask questions and get your kids talking about their social situation. Know which friends they're getting along with and which ones they're not. "Establishing good communication should start well before the kids are having bullying problems," Dr. Pastyrnak says. "Keep it very general for the younger kids, but if you suspect a problem or if your child has vocalized a problem, press for more details.”
As kids get older, they have a significant awareness of peer relationships, so you can be more direct with your questions. When your kids talk, really listen to what they share and keep your own emotions in check.
"Often parents will get angry or frustrated, but children don't need you to overreact. They need you to listen, reassure, and support them. They need to see you as stable and strong and able to help them in any situation." Kaplan says.
Once you've determined your child is being mistreated by peers, here are the smartest ways to deal with bullies, according to experts.
Brainstorm solutions to stop bullying before it happens or escalates. Develop and prepare a toolkit of ideas for kids to use in tough situations when it can be hard for them to think straight.
