Bullying

Bullying is not always thought of to be a problem during early childhood. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) states that bullying in early childhood is defined as “a series of acts intended to hurt another child, committed by a child to gain or to assert greater power over another child.” This definition is important because it highlights the difference between rough and tumble play and bullying. Also according to NAEYC, “20.4% of children ages 2-5 had experienced physical bullying in their lifetime and 14.6% had been teased (verbally bullied).”

Part of being a kid is playing with other kids. One very important skill that children need to have is the ability to get along with others. Children need to learn how to cooperate, share, and understand others feelings. Parents have a crucial part in teaching a child these skills. Parents and other adults should model positive ways for children to make friends. Show your child how to play nicely with others and include all children. Help your child understand what behaviors are friendly. Talk about bullying with your child. Explain what bullying is and the different kinds of bullying. It is also important to talk about what the consequences are for bullying and what to do if someone is bullying your child. Use terms that your child will understand, for example, “Other children might not want to play with you if you don’t share with them.” Also teach your child to say that they are sorry and that an action should accompany the apology (helping rebuild a tower they knocked down).

                   If you think your child is being bullied, here is a list of signs and symptoms to look for:

·      appears afraid to go to school and complains of headaches or stomach pains

·      has bad dreams or cries in his sleep

·      loses interest in school work

·      appears sad or depressed, or shows unexpected mood shifts, irritability, and sudden outbursts of temper

·      seems socially isolated

If you think your child is the bully, here is a list of signs and symptoms to look for:

·      strong need to dominate others

·      intimidates siblings or kids nearby

·      is hot-tempered, easily angered, implusive and has low frustration tolerance

·      cheating

·      antisocial or criminal behavior

Check out http://preventingbullying.promoteprevent.org/ , https://www.stopbullying.gov/index.html, and http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/what-parents-can-do-about-childhood-bullying/ for more information.

GreatSchools Staff. (n.d.). What parents can do about childhood bullying. Retrieved February, 2017, from http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/what-parents-can-do-about-childhood-bullying/

Preventingbullying.promoteprevent.org. (n.d.). Retrieved February, 2017, from http://preventingbullying.promoteprevent.org/

Home. (2012, February 17). Retrieved February, 2017, from https://www.stopbullying.gov/index.html