October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Although there has become a stronger mission in preventing it, bullying still occurs everywhere. It is present even in some of the most high-performing workplaces and school environments.
We as a community have a major role in helping to prevent and respond to bullying. Here is some helpful information that will help you understand bullying and how you can take action.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is a behavior of a person or group in which they hurt or frighten someone else who is less powerful or vulnerable. It often involves forcing another person to do something they do not want to do through a repetition of behaviors, such as being overly critical, domineering, authoritative, or acting physically and psychologically abusive.
Types of Bullying
Here are some types of bullying to be aware of: verbal bullying, social bullying, physical bullying, cyberbullying and workplace bullying.
Verbal bullying may include teasing, name-calling, inappropriate sexual comment, taunting and threatening to cause harm.
Social Bullying may include hurting someone’s reputation or relationships such as exclusion of others, gossiping, or embarrassing someone.
Physical Bullying may involve hurting another person’s body or possessions by hitting, kicking, pinching, spitting, tripping with pushing or breaking something of someone’s and making mean or rude gestures.
Cyberbullying can occur online, so it is important for adults to be aware of what types of apps that a child may be exposed to.
Workplace bullying may include a persistent pattern of mistreatment from another person or others in the workplace that causes either physical or emotional harm. It may include tactics such as verbal, nonverbal, psychological, and physical abuse and humiliation.
Educate Yourself And Help Others Learn About Bullying
It is important for all of us to learn about and to understand what bullying is. This way we will be able to recognize any warning signs.
In order to prevent bullying from happening in any relevant environment, we can personally use available resources and strategies to take the necessary precautions and appropriate responses in any given situation.
Parents are encouraged to openly discuss what to look for when it comes to bullying with their kids. Another way to prevent bullying is to monitor your child’s behavior and emotions. Lastly, parents can access helpful resources to help explain the risks and effects of bullying and how it can occur anywhere within the world today.
Stop Bullying on the Spot
Do:
Intervene immediately.
It is ok to get another adult to help.
Separate the people involved.
Make sure everyone is safe.
Meet any immediate medical or mental health needs.
Stay calm. Reassure the people involved, including bystanders.
Model respectful behavior when you intervene.
Seek police help or medical attention immediately if:
A weapon is involved.
There are threats of serious physical injury.
There are threats of hate-motivated violence, such as racism or homophobia.
There is serious bodily harm.
There is sexual abuse.
Anyone is accused of an illegal act, such as robbery or extortion—using force to get money, property, or services.
Ways to Prevent Bullying
Begin teaching your kids at home.
Learn the warning signs.
Instill healthy habits.
Empower your children.
Be an advocate.
Report bullying incidents.
Become familiar with your workplace, school, state-law and federal law policies.
Recruit other people and bring awareness to your community.
Spend time at your child’s school and discuss bullying openly with them
Do your research.
Utilize helpful resources that are available to further educate yourself and others.
Helpful Resources
www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/
www.apaexcellence.org/resources/special-topics/workplace-bullying
www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now
www.stopbullying.gov/resources/external
www.stopbullying.gov/resources/research-resources
www.verywellfamily.com/ways-to-prevent-school-bullying-460755
