Effects of bullying in school and preventive measures to be taken against bullying. Find the best child psychologist near you.

BULLYING IN SCHOOL

Anuj is 10, instead of playing sports like other boys he prefers acting and writing poetry. Some of the boys laugh at him and tell him that he is skinny and calling him a sissy. Things get worse when one of them picks on him. Soon everyone is picking on him, when he complains, teacher tells him it’s a normal part of growing up and his father tells him to grow up and be a man. Like Anuj there are one out of every three students around the world who are bullied by their peers and going through a lot because of it.

Bullying is considered as adverse childhood experience that can be very traumatic and have negative and lasting impact on the child’s development, the way child interacts and perceives the world around him and how he performs academically. Besides the physical effects of bullying, children’s mental health is also impacted negatively. They can experience wide range of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, Decreased academic achievement, and suicide

The three main factors which reflects bullying are intent, repetition and power. Bullies are those who usually intends to inflict pain through physical harm or hurtful words or behavior and he does this repeatedly. It’s a pattern of behavior and happens regularly by children who from a perceived higher social status or position of power, such as kids who are physically stronger or perceived to be popular.

Children’s from marginalized communities, from poor families, with different gender identities, with disabilities or migrant children are usually the ones who are vulnerable and are at higher risk of getting bullied.

Bullying may take many forms like

1) Physically hurting the child body and destroying his possessions. This includes hitting, kicking, punching, spitting, pushing, taking or breaking the child’s things
2)Teasing or name calling
3)Social exclusion
4)Peer sexual harassment/ inappropriate sexual comment
5)Bullying regarding child’s race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity
6)Cyber bullying which can happen via SMS/text, email or any online mode /social media

WARNING SIGNS

It’s very pertinent to recognize warning signs to take further actions. These signs often reflect and point out the other concern areas such as depression, substance abuse, or other childhood disorders. Interacting with the child can help identify the core issue.

Following are the Red Flags which one should look out for

1) Unexplained injuries
2) Damaged belongings
3) Frequent Health complaints like headaches and stomach aches or faking illness
4) Changes in sleep and eating habits
5) Sudden low performance in academics
6) Loss of interest in school related activities or avoiding school
7) Decreased confidence
8) Self destructive behavior: self-harm, suicidal ideation, or running away from home and school

PREVENTIVE MEASURES: AT SCHOOL & HOME

To create a safe and secure environment where children can grow socially, psychologically and academically, without being afraid, parent teachers and student need to take following steps

1)EDUCATE CHILDREN and URSELF REGARDING BULLYING: Teachers, parents themselves should be aware of regarding bullying and educate themselves regarding social media platforms. Share knowledge regarding bullying and risk & benefits of social media platforms so that they can help themselves and others plus reach out whenever required.

2)INTERVENE: Teachers should intervene immediately if she spots such incident and inform appropriate authority so that incident can be investigated and further action can be taken.

3) COMMUNICATE: Whether keeping children in person or online safe we need to start speaking with them regarding the issues. The more we interact and discuss bullying, the more they will be comfortable in opening up if they see or experience it. It’s necessary to keep a check on children’s daily task and what all they did in school, online activities. This is not restricted to classes and activities but also openly discussing regarding feelings and emotions.

4)TEACH POSITIVE BEHAVIOR: Children can be supportive and be there for each other in such situations. This can happen when teacher and parents show the child how to treat other children and adults by doing the same to the people around them, that includes speaking up when others are being mistreated

5)POSITIVE EXPECTATION AND RULE SETTING: Teachers need to set rules and regulation which reminds students that bullying will be not tolerated and will have consequences. Having both student and parents sign anti bullying document can help in understanding seriousness with respect to the issue

6)INCREASE CHILD’S SELF CONFIDENCE: Motivate children to participate in activities which they love. This will help in building confidence as well as friends with shared interests.

7)SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP: Lastly If child is going through any issue as a result of bullying, a mental health professional, such as a psychologist can help child develop self-esteem and confidence to deal with this situation. This will enable the child to be resilient and successful both socially and academically.

Mpower, a mental health initiative has its centres in Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. For seeking mental health services for your child, find the mental health clinic nearest to you, here- https://mpowerminds.com/contact or refer to the below contact details. You can avail the services from 10 am to 6:30 pm.

MPOWER- THE CENTRE (MUMBAI)

1/155, 15, Nyaymurti Sitaram
Patkar Marg, Khareghat Colony,
Hughes Road, Mumbai - 400007

mpowerminds.info@abet.co.in
www.mpowerminds.com

+91 22 23828133
+91 22 23856228
+91 9702800044

MPOWER- THE CENTRE (BENGALURU)

2nd Floor, 2983, 12th Main,
Indira Nagar, HAL, 2nd stage,
Bengaluru - 560 008.

info.bengaluru@abet.co.in

+91 80 25209712
+91-9702803210

MPOWER - THE CENTRE (KOLKATA)

Unit N210A-211, 2nd Floor,
North Block, Ideal Plaza,
11/1, Sarat Bose Road
Kolkata 700020

mpower.info.kolkata@abet.co.in

+91 90735 55522

MPOWER - THE FOUNDATION (MUMBAI)

22B, vasantrao N Naik Marg,
Opp. Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo,
Mumbai - 400 007.

+91 22 2386 8650
+91 22 2387 5147
+91 81087 99299

Also read, Impact of childhood abuse on mental health. Find best counselling centres/ child counsellors in Mumbai.
https://mpowerminds.com/blog/Impact-of-childhood-abuse-on-mental-health-Find-best-counselling-centres-in-Mumbai

How to raise awareness for children’s mental health? Find the best child psychiatrist/psychologist/therapist/counsellor near you.
https://mpowerminds.com/blog/How-to-raise-awareness-for-childrens-mental-health-Find-the-best-child-psychiatristpsychologist-near-you

How does constant nagging affect child’s confidence? Find the best child psychologist/therapist in Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata.
https://mpowerminds.com/blog/How-does-constant-nagging-affect-a-childs-confidence-Find-the-best-child-psychologisttherapist-in-Mumbai-Bangalore-and-Kolkata

Effects of peer pressure in teenagers and their mental health. Find a child psychiatrist/child therapist near you.
https://mpowerminds.com/blog/Effects-of-peer-pressure-in-teenagers-and-their-mental-health-Find-a-child-psychiatristchild-therapist-near-you

What are the signs of stress in a child? Find a child psychologist in Kolkata.
https://mpowerminds.com/blog/What-are-the-signs-of-stress-in-a-child-Find-a-child-psychologist-in-Kolkata