Overview
Dr. Sarah Garwood discusses the prevalence, signs, and impacts of bullying in children and adolescents, providing guidance for parents on identifying and addressing bullying.
Bullying Prevalence and Timeline
- Bullying can begin as early as preschool (ages 3-4).
- Frequency increases in elementary school, peaks in middle school, and decreases in high school.
Signs Your Child May Be Bullied
- Sudden changes in behavior such as sadness, withdrawal, or anger.
- Damaged or missing possessions, including books or lunch money.
- Physical complaints like frequent headaches or stomachaches due to stress.
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits.
- Loss of friends or changes in friendship patterns.
Cyberbullying in Older Children
- Older kids may experience cyberbullying, shown by mood changes after being online.
- Behavioral signs include altered online activity, creating or deleting accounts, and appearing upset after internet use.
Long-Term Impact of Bullying
- Bullying can have significant, lasting effects on mental health, including increased rates of anxiety and depression in adulthood.
- Effects may be as severe as those experienced by victims of abuse.
Parental Guidance for Addressing Bullying
- Talk to your child daily about their school experiences to encourage openness.
- Ask specific questions about their day, friendships, and any issues they faced.
- Help your child identify trusted adults or allies at school to approach in difficult situations.
- Model kind and supportive behavior as a parent.
- Encourage children to support peers who may be bullied, not just focus on their own experiences.
Advice for Children Facing Bullies
- Advise children to stay calm and avoid reacting emotionally in front of a bully.
- Encourage calmly walking away from the situation.
Recommendations / Advice
- Maintain open communication with your child and observe for behavioral changes.
- Be proactive in helping your child develop support networks at school.
- Be attentive, listen, and foster a supportive environment for your child to discuss bullying.