It can be hard for our kids to have to deal with bullying, particularly if it continues over a long period of time.
Many of us have experienced it or have witnessed bullying – some first-hand from their school days, and some later in the workplace.
Bullying can make school a real challenge, living in constant fear anticipating the next time they’ll be on the receiving end.
What is bullying?
Bullying is any type of behaviour that hurts someone else, and can include name calling, pushing, hitting and even verbal bullying, for example spreading rumours.
It’s any type of threatening or belittling behaviour, and it can happen at any time.
At school, at home and more regularly now, online in the form of cyberbullying. Unlike face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying can follow a child wherever they go, via social networks, gaming, and mobile phones.
Living with bullying can be draining on a young person’s mental health and can have serious repercussions into adulthood.
The Effects of bullying
The effects of bullying can last well into adult life, and in some cases, a lifetime.
At its worst, bullying has driven children and young people to self-harm and even suicide.
Children who are bullied can develop a range of issues in later life, such as:
- Mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
- They develop tendencies of suspicion of others.
- They aren’t accepted by their peers.
- They retreat into solitude and fewer friendships.
What are the signs of bullying?
Unfortunately, there isn’t any one sign that will raise suspicions as to whether your child’s being bullied.
There are, however, a few indicators to look out for.
- Physical injuries, like bruises, cuts, and scrapes.
- Eating or sleeping problems.
- Faking illness or skipping school.
- Their grades show signs of decline.
- Asking for, or stealing, money to give to whoever’s bullying them.
- Not wanting to go to school.
- Belongings getting ‘lost’ or damaged.
- Nervous behaviour, loss of confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn.
- Eating or sleeping problems.
Mentoring can help!
We can help young learners deal with bullying, and we can also help any young learners who are, indeed, bullies.
Mentoring for bullying
Mentoring is a process whereby each young learner has a dependable adult that can help build trust, form new relationships, and develop important skills for life.
They are role models that exist outside of the family unit and support confidence, respect, self-awareness, and build skills to manage their stress.
Good mentors can notice changes in a young person when others don’t see it and they are perfectly placed to recognise the early warning signs of bullying.
Mentoring can help young learners realise they are not alone. They can help them deal with bullying or help those that engage in it.
Having a mentor can help young learners make better decisions, be self-sufficient and hold themselves accountable.
Do you have a child who is being bullied, or you suspect is the subject of bullying? Or worse, is your child known to be a bully?
Why not get in touch and find out how we can help?
Click here to register your interest and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively, you can call us 0333 023 2215 or send an email to info@iprovefit.com