SPIRIT
HOW T O K NOW I F YOU R C H I L D I S T H E B U L LY
Knowing if your child is the bully is a lot harder to identify, but the bullies have to be someone’s child. While it’s easy to believe that it’s probably the kid who had a deadbeat father and the mother works too many jobs to pay attention, that isn’t the case, the majority of the time. In fact, according to the NBPC, most parents are surprised when they find out their child has been harassing others. But identifying and correcting this issue is just as important for their development as if they were being bullied themselves. “It’s important to understand that the long-term effects of bullying,” Lt. Jones says. “In all reality, bullying is breaking the law. Simple battery is unwanted touch. Then there’s harassment. If kids are not dealing with issues in a healthy way in their teen years, as adults they will react the same way and it will land them in jail. The root of the problem must be addressed.”
SOME WARNING SIGNS INCLUDE: • Lack of respect for others • Previously a victim of bullying • No responsibility for their actions • Always wanting to be in control • An “I’m always right” attitude • Lack of empathy • Violent or hot-tempered nature • Obsessed with social status
C Y B E R B U L LY I N G : B U L LY I N G I N A N E W AG E
Cyberbullying is described as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.” With the rise of social media, cyberbullying has become a problem among students as young as nine years old. Not only is there a pressure to constantly post the latest fashions and trends, but internet trolls can knock down a child’s self-esteem at all hours of the day. To make matters worse, these incidents aren’t something a student can simply run away from. Videos and photos can go viral and reach thousands of people in the matter of minutes. According to the NBPA, cyberbullying incidents have doubled from 2007 to 2019, rising to 37% (1 in 3) of students. It was also noted that those who are cyberbullied are also likely to be being bullied offline as well. One thing to note is that bullying is a suspensible offense, whether it happens on or off campus. Teens are constantly connected to technology which makes them an easy target. Kimberly says that many parents are unaware of the dangers, especially when they think their child is asleep but can be on their phones until 1 or 2 a.m.
APPS MOST REPORTED WITH CYBERBULLYING INCLUDE: • Facebook
• TikTok
• Google classroom
• YouTube
• Snapchat
• Discord
• Twitch
Sticks and stone may break bones, but words do hurt. Ignoring cyberbullying may be hurting a child more than we think. However, intervening online can be even more difficult than if a child was being hurt physically. Talking with your child and creating a comfortable environment for them is one the best steps taken in resolving any issues. There are also ways to monitor your child’s online activity through specific software and apps, though it is recommended to begin with their active participation so as not to make them feel distrusted. “Some parents feel like it is invading their privacy, but our kids need us to look out for them,” Kimberly says. “It gives parents a window into their child’s life to be able to talk to them about appropriate behavior and what to do if someone is bullying them. Our goal is to keep kids safe.”
