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Types of Bullying: The U.S. Government website stopbullying.gov defines bullying as "unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time." They further categorize bullying into three distinct types: Verbal, Social, and Physical.
As people of color, students might encounter other types of bullying based on skin color, culture, religion, clothing, and accents. Religious proselytizing is also prevalent in schools, sometimes from the child's classmates or teachers. Children should report all coercion or threats to trusted adults and parents as soon as possible.
What Parents Can Do: According to the American Psychological Association (APA), parents play a crucial role in preventing bullying of their children at school. If you suspect that your child is the one being bullied, the first step for you is to talk with them. Listening to your child and paying full attention to what they are telling you and any details they purposely omit is paramount. The APA informs us that your child should be sure they will get appropriate help from you, and in the meantime, they should try and not fight back against the bully. Lastly, as a parent, it is essential never to minimize or make light of any sensitive issue affecting your child, whether it concerns bullying, school violence, academic performance, or whatever else. If you suspect your child is the one bullying other children, then it is best to start countering those tendencies at home. Teach your child to respect and learn about differences instead of fearing them. Let them know in no uncertain terms that what they are doing is hurtful and may even have severe legal consequences. Children emulate adults' actions more quickly than they remember their teachings. Consistently being exposed to angry or aggressive environments at home may lead to your child replicating the observed behavior at school. Make your own home "bully-free" by setting up a positive and nurturing environment at home.
What Children Can Do: Children while away from parents at school must report any instances of in-person or cyberbullying to a trusted adult such as a teacher, coach, or school principal. According to the APA, the best option is to calmly instruct the bully to stop their actions or to walk away if possible. Children should remember that it is best to avoid a conflict even though it may be hard not to fight back. Children should avoid being alone as it is harder to bully someone in public view. If any adults, such as teachers or coaches, mistreat your child, they should immediately report them to their parents and involve higher school authorities.
Additional Resources:
https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/external
References:
How parents, teachers, and kids can take action to prevent bullying. (2011, January 1). Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/topics/bullying/prevent