What is bullying?
Bullying is a prolonged process of deliberate cruel treatment and aggressive behavior aimed at causing harm, fear, anxiety, or creating a negative environment for a person. Not every act of violent behavior is bullying, but every case of bullying is a repeated act of violence.
Signs of bullying include:
- actions that cause physical or psychological pain;
- systematic or repeated behavior;
- feelings of humiliation or fear in the child;
- malicious intent and lack of remorse;
- imbalance of power (physical, social, psychological).
Bullying is a negative experience for all participants involved: both for the victim and for the bully.
Forms of bullying
Forms of bullying include:
- physical violence (pushing, hitting, spitting);
- verbal abuse, mockery, nicknames, humiliating statements;
- threats and intimidation;
- spreading rumors;
- ignoring and social isolation.
Cyberbullying includes verbal abuse in online spaces, offensive messages, threats, exclusion from online groups without consent, and publishing photos or videos without permission.
How to recognize bullying: signals for parents and educators
The most common indicators of bullying are:
- sudden mood changes or withdrawal;
- reluctance to go to school;
- declining academic performance;
- avoidance of peers;
- signs of physical violence;
- sudden changes in online behavior.
If you notice these signs, it is important to take action.
What should parents do if a child is experiencing bullying?
It is important to:
- calmly listen to the child;
- document the facts;
- contact the class teacher or school psychologist;
- involve the school administration if necessary;
- ensure psychological support for the child.
How should a school respond to bullying?
The school response algorithm includes:
- receiving and documenting the report;
- reviewing the situation by a special committee;
- working with the class;
- creating an individual support plan for the child.
At MriyDiy network schools, systematic work is carried out to create a safe environment.
How to prevent bullying at school
Effective measures include:
- building a culture of trust and safety;
- social and emotional learning;
- systematic work with the class;
- partnership between students, parents, and educators.
FAQ
How can you tell if a child is hiding bullying?
By sudden changes in behavior, mood, and social interactions.
How is bullying different from a regular conflict?
Bullying is systematic and involves an imbalance of power, while a conflict assumes equality between the parties.
What should parents do if their child becomes a victim of bullying?
Document the facts, contact the school, and support the child.
How should a school respond to bullying?
Officially document the case and act according to a defined procedure.
How can you tell if a child is bullying others?
By aggressive behavior, lack of empathy, and complaints from peers.
Can parents demand an investigation from the school?
Yes, the school is obliged to review the complaint and take appropriate measures.
