The Truth about Bullying September 27th 2012

Rough Play Bullying is:

-Intentional harm doing -Repeated over time -Imbalance of power Usually friends: often repeated (same players) Balance of power No intent to harm Affect is friendly; positive, mutual

Real Fighting
Usually not friends; typically not repeated Power relatively equal Intentional harmdoing Affect is negative; aggressive, tense, hostile affect

Bullying
Typically not friends; generally repeated Unequal power Intentional harmdoing Affect is negative: aggressive & differs for target and aggressor

Family Risk Factors for Bully Behaviour

Lack of parental involvement or supervision Parents modeling bullying behaviors Minimal or no limits regarding aggressive behavior Harsh discipline/physical punishment with emotional outbursts Inconsistent discipline

Peer Risk Factors for Bully Behavior

Friends with positive attitudes towards violence Exposure to models of bullying Lack of close friends

The Bullying Circle

What can parents do if their child is bullied?

Tell your child that they should never ignore bullying. Listen actively to your child by letting talk about their experience. Remember to empathize. Do not assume your child did something to provoke the bullying and blame them for being bullied. Help your child develop talents and positive attributes Encourage your child to develop interests and hobbies that will help build resiliency in difficult situations like bullying Enforce consequences if they broke a rule or for the bullying behavior they did. Teach them problem solving skills. Help them get insight into their role in the situation.

What can parents do if they realize their child is a provocative target?

What can parents do if their child bullies others?

Communicate directly to your child that you know they've been involved in bullying, it's serious and will not be tolerated. Do not allow them to spend too much time watching TV or playing video games Enforce family rules Reinforce positive and kind behavior Spend more time with your child and keep close track of his/her activities. Build on your childs talents by encouraging them to get involved in positive activities Help child find more appropriate behavior patterns Share your concerns with school personnel and work together to send a clear message. Seek professional assistance, if necessary

For more information:

http://www.stopbullying.gov/ http://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/ http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/bullying http://www.pta.org/What_You_Should_Know.pdf http://www.pta.org/What_You_Can_Do.pdf http://www.pta.org/How_To_Make_Sure.pdf http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/15plus/aboutbullying.asp http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/behaviour/qsaav/docs/toolkit-parents.pdf http://www.violencepreventionworks.org/public/bullying_tips_for_parents.page