I'm relieved that a poster at the Catholic elementary school
where my oldest grandchild is a first-grader declares that the school does not
tolerate bullying. But I'm also distressed by how much has changed since I attended
the same school in the 1950s.
Bullying is nothing new. What is new is our realization that
not only do sticks and stones break kids' bones, but that names also do
hurt. Bullying does not respect the fact that we are all created in the image
of God.
The 1999 killing spree at Columbine High School in Colorado and
too many other incidents before and since have shown us that victims of bullying
sometimes retaliate in a deadly manner.
The problem is so serious that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
Web site (www.cdc.gov)
lists bullying as a risk factor for youth violence. One
third of high school students who responded to a 2002 CDC
survey were in a physical fight in the previous 12 months,
and six percent carried a weapon during the previous 30
days. In 2000, the second leading cause of death for children
10 to 14 was suicide and the third was homicide. Those are
reversed with 15- to 24-year-olds.
"Research has shown that bullies whose behavior is not
corrected during childhood often become criminals as adults,
and that victims who fail to find relief frequently experience
depression and severe drops in self-esteem that can negatively
impact their later years," writes Peter Sheras, Ph.D., in
Your Child: Bully or Victim? Understanding and Ending
Schoolyard Tyranny.
Sheras, a clinical psychologist who develops and evaluates intervention
programs, was victimized in elementary school. He and numerous experts stress
zero tolerance and explain why we can't ignore bullying behavior. "Study after
study has demonstrated that ignoring a bully is likely to lead to an increase
in the level of violence," says Sheras.
Walk, Talk and Squawk
Not every conflict between students is a case of bullying,
and teasing is more playful in nature than bullying.
The American Academy of Pediatrics Web site (www.aap.org)
defines bullying as "a form of aggression in which one or
more children repeatedly and intentionally intimidate, harass
or physically harm a victim who is perceived as unable to
defend himself or herself."
It's not just boys who bully, explains AAP. Boys are more often
the targets and perpetrators of aggressive, physical bullying whereas girls
are more often the targets and perpetrators of passive bullying, such as gossip
and social isolation. Today's perpetrators often use Web sites to spread malicious
rumors and damage the names of their targets.
Bullies "have a strong sense of power and domination," says AAP.
"They are rewarded by prestige and material goods coerced from victims." Victims,
on the other hand, "are more insecure than most children. They tend to be physically
smaller and weaker, and are often cautious, sensitive and quiet."
To help children respond to bullies, AAP encourages parents to teach
their kids the phrase, "walk, talk, squawk."
Walk away from the scene. Don't hang around for more abuse. Don't
run away terrified, even if you feel that way.
Before walking away, talk briefly and calmly to bullies, projecting
an air of being strong.
Squawk to a teacher or parent. Don't keep it bottled up inside.
Recognizing the Damages
The National Education Association's Web site (www.nea.org)
reminds parents that "behavior patterns begin at home."
At an early age, parents need to teach their children good
communication and social skills. "From the time children
learn to talk, parents can have a running conversation with
them about how their day went."
Then when the children go to school, says NEA, ask about and get
to know their friends. Volunteer at functions that involve your children.
NEA advises parents to know the bullying policies at the schools
their children attend, and to report and keep records of any incidents.
Targeted students experience much fear, especially when going to
school, using the school bathroom or riding the school bus. In addition, they
often show physical symptoms of illness and their ability to learn is diminished.
Bystanders are affected, too. They feel angry, helpless, fearful
and guilty. Bystanders often experience nightmares about being the next target.
One study shows that bullies are at a greater risk of committing
suicide than are their targets, notes NEA. In addition, bullying behavior often
escalates into sexual harassment or criminal activity if it isn't stopped.
"Bullies often grow up to perpetuate family violence," says NEA.
"Self-examination would be a wise course for a parent whose child has been accused
of bullying behavior," because some parents are themselves guilty of bullying
behavior toward school personnel and their own children.
Teaching Respect
Although much of the professional advice is aimed at parents
and educators, we are all responsible for the example we set. Jesus said, "Whoever
causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better
for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in
the depths of the sea" (Matthew 18:6).
If most of what children see in the media teaches violence as a
means to resolve conflict, we need to show them how to get along with
others. We may not completely cure the "disease" of bullying, but we can greatly
reduce incidents by not ignoring them. —M.J.D.
