With so much attention to the “bullying” problems affecting our kids today, it might feel silly to ask. But we get it.
Just for the record: Bullying can refer to any unwelcome or unrequested acts of violence, aggression, intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, social exclusion or sexual coercion, which are used TO CAUSE HARM, either physical or psychological.
Although bullying most commonly occurs among children, tweens, and teens, it also occurs amongst adults in the workplace, at college, etc. Bullying Counseling is available for individuals of all ages.
In children, tweens, and teens, bullying victims are often chosen by offenders on the basis of some difference or perceived weakness. Kids in the following groups are at higher risk of bullying: minority status (racial, ethnic, religious minorities, LGBTQ identification); low-income students; having intellectual or developmental disabilities; kids who look different from their peers (heavier, thinner, shorter, taller, have acne, etc); kids who struggle with a mental health concern such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, etc).
We don’t like to think about our kids as being a potential bully but, even among the best parents, it does happen. If you are concerned, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
We get it. There’s nothing worse than feeling targeted and unsupported, or than watching your child be physically/emotionally hurt, and not being able to keep them safe. Counseling can help increase psychological healing and begin trauma recovery by breaking the cycle of helplessness.
This is done by increasing self-esteem, working through feelings of guilt, shame, sadness and anxiety, addressing any other issues going on simultaneously such as mood, sleep, eating problems, PTSD, substance abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation.
We know that often, parents of kids who bully carry a lot of shame because of their children’s behaviors. However, we also know that you didn’t raise your sweet little pumpkin to become a teen or tween who bullies others. In counseling and therapy addresses bullying behaviors, we can help you outline and stick to effective consequences for bullying, and help your child: