A problem that is becoming increasingly common is bullying. This violent practice causes anguish and suffering in the victim, in addition to being a catalyst for self-esteem problems and depression.
In this context, the responsibility should not be solely of the educators: parents also need to be attentive to their children, being fundamental in combating bullying and promoting respect for others.
In this article, we will explain what characterizes this type of violence and how parents can prevent their children from becoming the aggressors.
What is bullying?
From mockery to physical attacks, bullying is aggressive behaviour repeatedly performed by an individual with the aim of intimidating or showing power over another person. This violence, which can be both physical and psychological, creates pain and sadness in the victim.
With the internet, there is also virtual violence, called cyberbullying. In this category, personal attacks can be amplified by the online world, and, as a result, humiliations can even ruin the victim’s honour and image.
How to identify an abusive child?
Not infrequently, the people responsible for bullying hide their fears and, because they do not know how to deal with their emotions, try to discount the frustrations in the other.
The humiliations practised can also be a way to try to become popular in the group or to show a superior image of yourself, as well as a defence, for having already been victims of bullying or for suffering some situation that brings them unhappiness. Thus, like victims, abusive children also need attention.
Among the symptoms that can help to identify a child who behaves as an aggressor are:
- difficulty expressing emotions;
- low self-esteem;
- lack of empathy;
- satisfaction with the suffering of others;
- violent attitudes.
If you notice that the child or adolescent is bullying, establish a conversation to try to understand their motivations, allow them to express their feelings and then explain why those attitudes are wrong.
Avoid rejecting the child, but be sure to show that his behaviour is inappropriate and harmful.
How to help fight bullying?
To prevent a child from becoming the aggressor, it is necessary to encourage respect and empathy for others. You should also talk about bullying and show that these violent acts are not tolerable. Check out some tips to help reduce bullying:
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Talk about it
Sometimes mistaken for a “joke”, bullying is not always so easily recognized. Hence it is important to explain the evils of these acts of violence.
Dialogue with your child about the topic so that, if he goes through any situation of this type, he has tools to identify the aggression and know what to do.
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Encourage expression of emotions
To avoid stormy and impulsive behaviours, the child needs to develop emotional skills. So, create a space where little ones can express their feelings and find non-violent ways to deal with frustrations.
Love, dialogue and acceptance can be good tools to prevent the child from becoming an aggressor.
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Feed respect for others
Awakening empathy is also an effective way to prevent bullying. So, show the importance of putting yourself in the other’s shoes. Encourage acceptance of each individual’s particularities. Give examples of respect and appreciation for people.
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Monitor your child’s activities on the internet
Although technology offers resources that assist in the development of small children from an early age, children on digital devices can also bring risks, such as cyberbullying. Thus, parents’ guidance regarding the use of the internet is paramount.
Talk to your child and explain that, in the virtual world, the placements he makes can be tracked. Also, monitor the contents accessed. You can do it all with the help of FamilyTime parental control app. To get the app now, hit the buttons given below:
In addition, if the child has a profile on social networks, dialogue about the rules of this environment and encourage him to always keep education.
Nobody expects their child to act as an aggressor, but it can happen to any family. As a result, parents need to be alert to situations that indicate violent practices and must play an active role in combating bullying.
