School Fights and Conflicts - Teaching Children to Deal With Bullies by James Guilford
Teaching your child to deal with conflict in non-violent ways is a key factor in ending bullying, which in itself is a form of violence. If your child is the victim of bullying, how do you stop the harassment without fueling the hostility? Below are five tips to help you help your child deal with school bullies. 1. BELIEVE. If your child says she is being bullied, then believe her. This will establish trust, open communication, and allow you to get more information about the problem. 2. REPORT. Be sure to alert the school about these incidents. Doing so will keep teachers on watch, rally support for your child, and protect other students who may be targeted by the same bully. 3. EMPATHIZE. According to the National Institute of Childhood Health and Human Development (NICHD), both bullies and their victims have difficulty adjusting socially and psychologically to their environment. Though it may be hard to do when your child is being bullied, realize that both kids involved are suffering. 4. THINK. What long-term lesson do you want your child to take away from this situation? Encouraging your child to respond to the bully with kicks and punches may send the message that violence is an acceptable method of problem solving. 5. TALK. Discuss the situation with teachers, school counselors, and the parents of the bully. Alert all adults involved. This will ensure that both your child and the bully get the help they need. "People who were bullied as children," says Dr. Duane Alexander, Director of the National Institute of Childhood Health and Human Development, "are more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem well into adulthood, and the bullies themselves are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life." Since the bully's actions may be result of other issues, it is important to handle the situation peaceably. Instead of teaching your child to fight fire with fire, use alternative methods to help resolve this conflict and promote healing
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