MOST children have been teased by a sibling or a friend at some point. Teasing is not usually harmful when done in a playful, friendly and mutual way, and children find it funny. But when teasing becomes hurtful, unkind or constant, it crosses the line into bullying and needs to stop.
Bullying is intentionally tormenting another in a physical, verbal or psychological manner. It can range from hitting, shoving, name-calling, threats and mocking to extorting money and possessions. Some children bully by shunning others and spreading rumours about them. Others use social media or electronic messaging to taunt others or hurt their feelings.
It’s important to take bullying seriously and not just brush it off as something that kids have to ‘tough out’. The effects can be serious and negatively influence children’s sense of safety and self-worth.
Why children bully:
Children bully for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they pick on children because they need a victim — someone who seems emotionally or physically weaker, or just acts or appears different in some way — to feel more important, popular or in control. Although some bullies are bigger or stronger than their victims, that’s not always the case.
Sometimes children torment others because that’s the way they’ve been treated. They may think their behaviour is normal because they come from families or other environments where everyone regularly gets angry and shouts or calls each other names. Some popular TV shows even seem to promote meanness — people are voted off, shunned or ridiculed for their appearance or lack of talent.
Source: www.kidshealth.org
For related stories on bullying, see:
https://albertonrecord.co.za/58033/the-ugly-truth-about-bullying-in-our-schools/
https://albertonrecord.co.za/58365/what-is-the-schools-responsibility-in-bullying-cases/
https://albertonrecord.co.za/58120/stop-bullying-in-our-schools/
