Bullying happens everywhere: home, community, church, schools, workplace, friend groups or online. Most of us can identify a time when we or someone else we knew experienced bullying and how it made us feel.
Scripture: So, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets(Matthew 7:12).
There has been a lot of conversation in the media lately about bullying and the damaging impact it can have on the mental health of our youths and children.
Data shows that bullying comes in many forms, can happen anytime, and can take place online (cyberbullying).
Some of the most common forms of bullying include:
Hitting/striking
Kicking
Shoving
Intentional tripping
Spitting
Teasing
Threatening/ harassment/ Name-calling
Yelling
Starting and spreading rumors.
Intentionally excluding someone from an activity
Gossiping.
It stands to reason that bullying may seriously affect the mental health and well-being of children and youth.
Do you suspect your child or a child you know is been bullied?
Does he/she exhibits any of the following signs?
- Sudden and consistent avoidance of school or any other place they once loved to frequent?
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Deep anger
Does he/she expresses feelings of:
- Rejection
- Exclusion
- Isolation
- Low self-esteem
Identifying and addressing bullying early can help prevent harmful negative experiences and keep children and youth moving forward in a positive trajectory at school, with friends, and in their personal development.
Note: Globally, one in five students report being bullied—and the impact is often felt into adulthood.
Next week: How can we help stop bullying and protect the mental health of our youths and children?
Source: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/mental-health-impact-bullying-kids-and-teens
