What is bullying? Although the English word does not have a literal translation into Portuguese, anyone can explain or, at the very least, has heard about it, which has become a topic of discussion mainly regarding the school environment.
Bullying is defined as the act of persistently verbally or physically provoking or harming others. Aggression can come from one or more people and be directed equally to one or more people.
The school is the natural stage of this kind of situation, since children and adolescents with the most diverse physical, religious, cultural and personality characteristics live there. These differences are, in most cases, the motivating agents of the problem.
The main explanation for this is that during childhood and early adolescence, the need to be accepted is an inherent feature of most individuals' personality.
Feeling part of a group with its own ideologies, or simply identifying with similar characteristics, is paramount to the self-esteem of children and adolescents.
It is important to understand, however, that not every provocation or quarrel should be considered bullying. • Bullying happens when there is a real move against a particular child. Is it a campaign, a persecution against a very well defined target ?, says psychologist Nivea Maria de Carvalho Fabrício.
How to detect the problem?
The child or adolescent will not always openly report to the parents that he or she is the victim of bullying. Some signs, however, serve as a warning for further investigation. The child may have:
- Strange behavior, usually remaining isolated;
- fear of going to school;
- trouble sleeping;
- mood swings and aggressive behavior at home
- signs of physical trauma, such as unexplained bruises.
How to deal with the problem?
If, after observing your child and checking with teachers and school staff, you have come to the conclusion that this is really a bullying case, you should take some care.
Begin by strengthening your child's self-esteem, emphasizing his or her qualities and, if necessary, looking for a therapist to work through this issue more forcefully.
Then invest in a frank conversation with her on the subject, giving concrete advice without encouraging her to react aggressively. Explain that when she feels diminished or provoked she should show her dissatisfaction by firmly speaking phrases like “Stop it. Did not like!?. Finally, contact the school, report what happened and, if the problem is not resolved by the responsible for the institution, consider the feasibility of changing your child from school.
Remember that bullying is, rather than a relationship problem, an aggression against a child's emotional integrity. Do not minimize it, take it seriously and do not give up before you are sure you have solved it.
YOUR EYIC FAMILY AND PARENTING MINISTRY PRESENTS: "DISOBEDIENCE: NOT MY CHILD?" (April 2024)
- Teens, Children and Teens
- 1,230
