Bulling

Children usually define bullying as pushing, hitting, or pulling another child's hair at or around school or in the neighborhood. They may add yelling at someone, insulting or accusing somebody of things he/she didn't do and intimidating or scaring a child to take his money or school things. Hurting someone morally such as spreading rumors about others, making fun of children, or alienating someone and leaving him/her out and not letting them integrate in a group may also be considered by children as bullying.

Why do children bully?

Some children resort to bullying to get attention, become popular or gain power. They sometimes attack their peers verbally, morally or physically just to get material things. Therefore bullies most often pick on people who are weaker or smaller than them, children who generally don't easily make friends at school or in the neighborhood and those who do not stick up for themselves.

How do children face bullying?

Children usually find solutions to face peer bullying such as ignoring bullies if they feel that the latter are just waiting for a reaction. Sometimes they tend to be brave enough to get adults help and take a stand against violence. They even involve everyone around unless they feel they are as helpless as themselves.

What children don't know about bullying?

Some children feel helpless in several situations that they think normal such as

- Being regularly compared to a sibling at home or a peer student at school by parents or teachers.
- Being asked to perform tasks they don't like or are beyond their abilities in profit of surrounding adults.
- Being deprived of one or more rights at home or at school.

These are aspects of bullying some children are facing without being aware that they are being bullied, that they may complain about such things or involve other adults in to get their help.

How parents can help?

As parents you could help your kids talk about any type of bullying they feel they are being a victim of by asking how they are feeling and if everything is OK at school at home and around it, rather than if they are being bullied. They may be embarrassed and worried and might choose not to say anything unless you have already built a climate of confidence between you. Besides you ought to let them tell you in their own time. It 's also of a great importance to involve your child in any decisions you will take on how to deal with the bullying at home, at school or in the neighborhood and be ready to adjust your decision to what would suit them better. It's wise to resort to psychologists for help if you feel that your child is being bullied and you fail to make them talk about it.

You feel that your child is being bullied by someone. Don't ask if he/she is bullied because this would hurt or embarrass him. Just ask if he/she is feeling well or raise home discussions that teach your child about what might be an act of bullying. Be ready to help when you are asked to and at the right time.