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Bullying
Resources for parents, students and
staff
The School Bully Can Take a
Toll on Your Child’s Mental
Health
Ask any child what a bully
looks like, and he or she is
likely to describe someone
who is bigger and stronger.
Yet, while bullies certainly
are known for their ability
to overpower others
physically, mental bullying
can be just as damaging to
children.
When children are picked on
by bullies, whether
physically or mentally, many
feel the need to suffer in
silence for fear that
speaking up will provoke
further torture. But
bullying is not a problem
that usually just takes care
of itself. Action needs to
be taken. Parents and
caregivers are sometimes
reluctant to intervene in
conflicts between children
but they can teach children
not to take part in—or
become victims of—bullying.
Children can be taught to
assert themselves
effectively. As a caring
adult, you can:
-
Demonstrate assertive
behavior.
Teach children to ask
for things directly and
respond directly to each
other. It is OK to say
“no” to an unacceptable
demand. Let children
role-play withpuppets or
dolls.
-
Teach social skills.
Suggest ways for
children to compromise
or to express their
feelings in a positive
way. Show children how
to resolve problems
firmly and fairly.
-
Identify potential
friendship problems and
correct them.
Teach children how to
ignore routine teasing.
Not all provocative
behavior must be
acknowledged. Teach
children the value of
making new friends.
-
Teach common courtesy
skills.
Teach children to ask
nicely and to respond
appropriately to polite
requests.
-
Identify ways to respond
to bullies.
Help children identify
acts of aggression,
bossiness or
discrimination.
Encourage children not
to give up objects or
territory to bullies.
This discourages
bullying behavior.
-
Demonstrate the rewards
of personal achievement.
Teach children to trust
and value their own
feelings. They will be
more likely to resist
peer pressure, respect
warm and caring adults,
and be successful in
achieving their personal
goals.
Children who are victims or
witnesses to acts of
bullying often suffer from
serious emotional problems
including depression and
anxiety. The Caring for
Every Child’s Mental Health
Campaign is part of the
Comprehensive Community
Mental Health Services for
Children and Their Families
Program of the federal
Center for Mental Health
Services. Parents and
caregivers who wish to learn
more about mental well-being
in children, please call
1-800-789-2647 (tollfree)
or visit the
Web
site to download
a free publications catalog
(CA-0000). The federal
Center for Mental Health
Services is an agency of the
Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services
Administration, U.S.
Department of Health and
Human Services.
For more information visit:
www.StopBullyingNow.hrsa.gov
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