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Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived difference in power. The difference can be in size, age, political advantage, economic advantage, or social advantage.
The main forms that bullying can take between the age of 3 and 6 years are:
- Physical bullying: Victim is touched without consent, or his property is destroyed.
- Verbal bullying: Victim is called names and insulted.
- Social bullying: Bully tries to destroy a victim's reputation or relationship with another person. 1
As parents you have a role to play in preventing bullying through:
- Helping your child understand bullying. Kids who knowwhat bullying is, can better identify it. Tell kids bullying is unacceptable.
- Encouraging your kid to speak to a trusted adult if they are bullied or see others being bullied.
- Talking about how to stand up to kids who bully. Give tips, like using humor and saying “stop” directly and confidently. Talk about what to do if those actions don’t work, like walking away.
- Keeping the lines of communication open. Check in with kids often. Listen to them, get to know their friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns.
- Encouraging your child to do what they love. Special activities, interests, and hobbies can boost confidence, help kids make friends, and protect them from bullying behavior.
- Being a role model. By treating others with kindness and respect, parents show their kids that there is no place for bullying in their lives. 2
Dr Zeinab El Tahesh
Pediatrician
