Kids and Screens
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My Story
Bullying & Cyber Bullying
Before I start to talk about this critical issue, I have to say that was bullied a lot as a teenager, I faced a very common but really thrilling situation: new school, no friends, I had no confidence, I was a geeky boy, surrounded by popular and party guys. I tended to close in on myself and no matter how hard I tried, I reacted. Sometimes I would cry even, but mostly I just got angry and annoyed.
So you ask, how did I overcome that? As an only child, I have to say that “adaptability” has been an essential key concept for me, then in an attempt to change the course of my life, enrolled me in a drama class, at that time I was physically and emotionally drained with that situation, but it did something to me, I have made some friends, I built my confidence and finally I decided to not be the reason for jocks and bullies, after some point I just ignored the bullies. It made me realize I could do more, be more. I believe that everyone is worthy of respect and nowadays I truly believe that if we treat everyone with respect, we can move the world. Thus, I would like to share some important information, no-one deserves to be bullied and you shouldn't ignore this issue, please see some links to access organizations that provide advice and support to people being affected by the issue of bullying.
Useful links
CYBER BULLYING
Unfortunately, I am sure everyone knows this term, but here we go: Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. Online threats and mean, aggressive, or rude texts, tweets, posts, or messages all count. So does posting personal information, pictures, or videos designed to hurt or embarrass someone else.
Please see bellow some organizations that offer advice and information for young people and parent on how to combat bullying, if you need to know about how to deal with this online issue, ask for their help.
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familylives.org.uk
Ridgefield Recovery: Bullying & Drug Abuse
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Also, I have found a useful post on this organization webpage (Anti-bullying Alliance), if you see someone being bullied and you don't do anything to help them then it will just continue and may get worse. People who are being bullied can feel really distressed and it can have a serious impact on their life and health. In very serious cases bullying could lead to self-harming, or even suicidal thoughts. Often other people at school don't realize the effect that bullying has when it goes on day in day out. Click here to see the original
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Tips for parents and carers:
If your child is being bullied or you think they might be, here are some tips on how to talk to them and prevent further bullying.
◊ If your child is being bullied, don’t panic. Explain to your child that the bullying is not their fault and together you will sort this out.
◊ Bullying is never acceptable, and should always be taken seriously. It is never your child’s fault if they’ve been bullied.
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◊ Try and establish the facts. It can be helpful to keep a diary of events. If the bullying is online, save or copy images and text.
◊ Find out what your child wants to happen. Help to identify steps you can take, and the skills they have to help sort out the situation. Make sure you always keep them informed about any actions you decide to take.
◊ You may be tempted to tell your child to retaliate but this can have unpredictable results. Your child might get into trouble or get even more hurt. Rather – role play non-violent ways they can respond to children that are bullying them (e.g. “I don’t like it when you say that to me / do that to me. Stop.”); show them how to block or unfriend people if the bullying is online and help them identify other friends or adults that can support them.
◊ Encourage your child to get involved in activities that build their confidence and esteem, and help them to form friendships outside of school (or wherever the bullying is taking place).
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