Bullying in and around school.

Bullying is a common problem at school and outside. It leaves a big impression not only on your child but also on you as a parent. But where is the limit? When is it no longer teasing but bullying? Where does this bullying come from? You can read that in this article.

What is bullying?

Unfortunately, bullying happens in many ways. You can think of excluding someone, calling names, or even physical aggression like pushing, hitting, and kicking. Taking or breaking things can also be bullying. Bullying can continue outside school time. Cyberbullying, also called online bullying, often happens via WhatsApp and social media channels like Tiktok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook.

Sometimes there is only one bully, but mostly it is a group with one or more leaders. Unfortunately, many followers in such a group join in the bullying. Your child can feel unsafe at and outside school because bullying often happens secretly and keeps repeating.

Signs of bullying

It happens again and again, often over a long time
There is a clear power difference between the bully/attacker and your child/the victim. The bully may be stronger physically and/or socially.
It is done on purpose to hurt someone. Even if it is not done on purpose, it can feel like bullying to a child. In that case, it is just as important to take action.

Read here how to recognize bullying

Why does someone bully?

Many young children test which behavior is accepted socially and which is not. The following signs can be early signs of bullying:

He very much wants to get attention in a group.
He wants to hide his own insecurities.
He takes out his frustration on other children.
Your child has been bullied before and wants to stop this by bullying others.
He wants to be popular or is very jealous.
He is lonely and often bored.

Do you recognize your child in these signs? If you suspect your child bullies others, it is important to offer help. Your child learns to understand the effects of bullying. This can stop bullying later on.

Read here everything you need to know if your child bullies others

Consequences of bullying

When your child is bullied, it can have serious effects. Your child can feel unsafe or lose confidence. Long-term bullying can affect learning and your child’s social and emotional growth. Your child may even feel so unsafe that he does not want to go to school. For this reason, it is very important to get help quickly.

Read here how you can help your child

Stopping bullying at school

Creating a safe place where every child can be themselves is important not only at home but also at school. It is important to act fast and clearly when a child is bullied because of the serious consequences. What does the school do to prevent bullying? Is the school required to stop and handle bullying? How far does this go? You can read more below.

What rules does the school have to stop bullying? You can read that here