Who will stop the bullying? Social experiment
Three young girls waiting at a bus stop participated in a social experiment on bullying. The results were amazing. Watch the interaction below. We also answer 4 common questions we are asked by parents regarding the issue of bullying below. We tip our hats off to the people who created this video and for bringing added awareness to the issue of bullying.
Bullying is the unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully other may have serious lasting problems.
In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include: actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.
- An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power – such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity – to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
- Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.
Children are bullied everyday. It’s a problem schools are working through everyday. Fortunately there are a lot of support groups to help with this problem. Bullying is dangerous. It’s a problem and can lead to suicide.
Below we answer 4 common questions parents have about children going through a bullying situation.
I Should Let It Go Because “Kids Will Be Kids”
False. Bullying is not about “kids being kids.” Children need guidance. They need boundaries. They need intervention when they are doing something wrong. Allowing children to do whatever they want is not good parenting. The definition of bullying includes the Imbalance of Power which means one has power and one does not. The imbalance in power and the potential for reoccurring abuses can cause long lasting effects.
Parents Should Intervene When a Bullying Situation Arises
True. Parents need to teach and guide their children. They also need to advocate for them. If a bullying situation arises it becomes an issue adults should resolve. Parents can also demonstrate to their child how to work with other people to resolve a situation in an appropriate way. It can serve as a teaching tool for everyone involved.
Children Need to Toughen Up
False. The world is already difficult. Children are faced with a lot of stress including growing up and figuring out who they are. They need parents that can help teach them to navigate the world in an environment where they feel supported. Allowing things to “play out” is a poor approach to bullying.
The School is Responsible to Handle the Situation
False. Parent input is very important. Good school administrators and teachers will communicate with parents to understand what is going on at home and after school hours as well. Bullying may largely occur in schools but it does not always end there.
We encourage all families to talk to their children often using the skill of Effective Communication. You can also use the skill of Decision Making to figure out how to resolve issues.
Watch this Social Experiment Video on Bullying. If you see it, stop it.