Long gone are the days when the phrase ‘sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me’ was used to toughen the kids in the school playground. Bullying is now an issue that is taken very seriously by parents and schools.

Research over the past 25 years confirms that bullying is an international problem. The likelihood of a child being bullied is higher if the child is a boy, in primary school and has a shy/quiet temperament. However any child, regardless of their gender, age or abilities can be targeted by a bully. Studies indicate that 15 percent of students in schools are involved in bullying, either as the bully or as the victim (Center for Children and Families in the Justice System, 1996).

The long term effects of bullying are a controversial debate. Limited studies have been conducted to give clear outcomes. However, the short term effect can be severe for some children, ranging from low self esteem and poor academic progress to depression and in some cases suicide.

This next post series at ‘Life Coping Skills’ aims to assist parents to respond when their child is being bullied in a calm and planned manner. Although the focus is on the ‘victim’ of bullying, this series can provide insight to all families. This is important because all children affected by bullying – those displaying the bullying behaviour, those who are targeted and also those who are bystanders.

Follow-Up Posts:

  1. Child Bullying: Signs
  2. What is Bullying?
  3. Common Myths about Bullying
  4. The Downward Spiral of Bullying
  5. Child Bullying: Your Feelings as a Parent
  6. How to Address Bullying: Listen To Your Child
  7. How to Address Bullying: Consult with Teachers
  8. How to Address Bullying: Help Your Child Develop Positive Strategies
  9. How to Address Bullying: Evaluate the School’s Response
  10. How to Address Bullying: Assessing the Next Steps