Bullying A Serious Threat to the Child Development
By Sawan Chandra
Academic Consultant, Career Counsellor & Motivational Speaker
Bullying of a child is a serious issue that can have severe consequences for the victim. If a child is being bullied, it is important for the parents, teachers, and school officials to take immediate action to address the problem.
Some Steps That Can be Taken to Help a Child Who is Being Bullied Include:
- Listen to the child and take their concerns seriously.
- Document the incidents of bullying, including the date, time, location, and details of what happened.
- Work with the child to develop strategies for coping with the bully and seeking help when needed.
- Notify school officials and work with them to address the problem. This may include implementing disciplinary action against the bully and providing support for the victim.
- Provide emotional support for the child and help them to cope with the effects of bullying.
- Encourage the child to seek professional help if needed, such as counselling or therapy.
- Continuously monitor the situation and make sure that appropriate measures are taken to keep the child safe.
It is important to remember that bullying is not just a problem for the victim, but it also affects the entire school community. Therefore, it is important for everyone to work together to create a safe and inclusive environment where all childs feel respected and valued.
How to Identify a Child Being Bullied
There are several signs that may indicate a child is being bullied. These can include physical, emotional, and behavioural changes. Parents, teachers, and other adults should be aware of these signs and take them seriously.
Physical Signs of Bullying May Include:
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Lost or damaged belongings
- Frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches
- Changes in eating habits
- Difficulty sleeping
Emotional Signs of Bullying May Include:
- Low self-esteem or self-worth
- Depression or anxiety
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Loss of interest in school
- Fear of going to school or being in certain situations
Behavioural Signs of Bullying May Include:
- Changes in academic performance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Acting out or behaving aggressively
- Truancy or absenteeism from school
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
It's also important to keep in mind that not all children who are being bullied will exhibit these signs, and sometimes children may not be able to or willing to talk about it. Therefore it is important to observe their behaviour and to have open conversation with them, if you have any suspicion that they may be bullied.
Psychological Impact on Bullied Child
Being bullied can have serious psychological effects on a child. The emotional trauma that results from bullying can lead to long-term mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Some of the Psychological Impacts of Bullying on a Child Can Include:
Low Self-Esteem
Children who are bullied may feel worthless, helpless, and powerless. They may believe that they are at fault for the bullying and may blame themselves for the situation.
Depression
Children who are bullied may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and may have trouble sleeping or eating.
Anxiety
Children who are bullied may experience feelings of fear, nervousness, and worry. They may be afraid to go to school or be in certain situations, and may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and insomnia.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Children who are bullied may experience symptoms similar to those of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of reminders of the bullying.
Difficulty in Socialising
Children who are bullied may find it difficult to form and maintain friendships, leading to isolation and loneliness.
Difficulty in Concentration and Academic Performance
Children who are bullied may have trouble focusing in school and may have a decline in their academic performance.
It is important to remember that the psychological impact of bullying can be long-lasting, and that children who have been bullied may require ongoing support and counselling to help them heal and cope with their experiences. Early intervention is crucial, to minimise the lasting impact of bullying on the child.
Academic Impact on Bullied Child
Bullying can have a significant impact on a child's academic performance. Children who are bullied may experience a decline in their grades, difficulty paying attention in class, and difficulty completing assignments.
Some of the Academic Impacts of Bullying on a Child Can Include:
Absence from School
Difficulty Concentrating
Decline in Grades
Difficulty in Learning
Negative Impact on Academic Motivation
How to Help Bullied Child
There are several steps that can be taken to help a child who is being bullied. It is important to remember that each child is unique and may require a different approach, but the following steps can serve as a general guide:
Listen to The Child
Document the Bullying
Report the Bullying
Provide Emotional Support
Help the Child Develop Coping Mechanisms
Encourage the Child to Participate in Activities They Enjoy
Provide Professional Help
Role of Counsellor
Some of the Specific Roles of a Counsellor in Helping a Bullied Child Include:
Assessing the Child's Emotional and Mental State
The counsellor will assess the child's emotional and mental state, and will work with the child to develop a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.
Providing Emotional Support
The counsellor will provide emotional support to the child, and will help the child process their feelings and cope with the trauma of being bullied.
Teaching Coping Mechanisms
The counsellor will teach the child coping mechanisms, such as how to stand up for themselves, how to walk away from a bully, and how to seek help from a trusted adult.
Helping the Child Develop Self-Esteem
The counsellor will work with the child to develop self-esteem, and to help the child build self-confidence.
Helping the Child Deal with Any Related Issues
The counsellor will also help the child deal with any related issues, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
Advocating for the Child
The counsellor will also advocate for the child, and will work with school officials, parents and other involved parties to ensure that the bullying is stopped and the child is protected.
Referring the Child to Other Specialists as Needed
If the child is experiencing severe emotional distress, the counsellor may refer them to other specialists, such as a psychiatrist, or other mental health professionals to provide specialised treatment.
It is important to note that the role of the counsellor is not only to provide support and guidance to the child but also to work with other parties involved to ensure that the bullying is stopped and the child is protected.
What Stats & Reports Says
In India, there have been various studies and reports on the prevalence and impact of bullying on children. Here are a few key findings:
Prevalence:
According to a study conducted by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, about 28.3% of school children in India reported experiencing bullying.
Gender Differences:
Boys are more likely to be physically bullied than girls, but girls are more likely to be bullied emotionally.
Academic Impact:
The study also found that children who were bullied had lower academic achievement and were more likely to have poor school attendance.
Psychological Impact:
Bullying can have a significant psychological impact on children in India, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Cyberbullying:
Cyberbullying is also a growing concern in India, with an increasing number of children and adolescents experiencing bullying through social media and other online platforms.
Bullying Among Children with Disabilities:
Children with disabilities are also at a higher risk of being bullied in India. A study by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) found that children with disabilities are more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers.
Bullying Based on Race, Religion and Sexual Orientation:
According to a report by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), children who are from marginalised communities are more likely to be bullied than their peers from more privileged backgrounds.
These statistics and reports highlight the need for effective prevention and intervention strategies in India to address the issue of bullying. It is important for schools, parents, and community organisations to work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for children.
Important organisation in India to Save Child from Bullying
There are several organisations and resources in India that provide support and assistance to children who have been affected by bullying. Here are a few important links that may be helpful:
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
This organisation works to protect the rights of children in India and provides support and assistance to children who have been affected by bullying.
Childline India
Childline is a 24-hour helpline for children in need of care and protection. Children can call the helpline and receive support and assistance, including counselling and referral services.
Smile Foundation
This non-profit organisation works to empower underprivileged children in India, including providing support and assistance to children who have been affected by bullying.
Save the Children India
This organisation works to improve the lives of children in India and provides support and assistance to children who have been affected by bullying.
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS):
NIMHANS is a premier institute in India for Mental Health and Neuro Sciences and offers various mental health services, including counselling for children affected by bullying.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
has a dedicated website for child helpline, where children can report any form of abuse, including bullying and receive support and assistance.
It is important to note that these are some of the resources available in India, and there may be other organisations in your local area that can provide support and assistance to children who have been affected by bullying.
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