Richard Goldbloom (2001) makes a phenomenal point in an article in Reader's Digest (Canada) by pointing out that parents should not always believe it when a school reports there are no problems in school for students. Goldbloom defines bullying as “the tendency for some children to frequently oppress, harass or intimidate other children, verbally, physically or both- in and out of school” (Goldbloom, 2001).
Bullying can take the form of an underground form of violence that is never spoken about, so parents' children are not likely to talk about bullying at school or outside of school (whether they or other students are involved with it). Reluctance to attend school, being afraid, different sleep patterns, nightmares, and general physical complaints, and ripped clothes or broken student property can all be signs that bullying is occurring (Goldbloom, 2001).
Do schools always make parents aware of bullying issues? Parents cannot count on it. Many schools minimize the problem of bullying, and do not want information of such behavior to be completely public, as it could put the school in a bad light. This is why parents should take it upon themselves to check to make sure their child or children are not being bullied (Goldbloom, 2001).
Looking for signs of bullying, and talking to their children about bullying are both proactive steps to help ensure their children are not experiencing bullying. Parents can be embarrassed to find out their son or daughter is being “picked on” by other students. This can make it very difficult for parents to hear the truth and for students to tell their parents the truth. Parents should listen carefully to their children when they are discussing bullying at school, and remain calm. Otherwise, the child will not be comfortable enough to be honest (Goldbloom, 2001).
References
Goldbloom, R.B. (2001). Parents Primer on School Bullying. Reader's Digest (Canada). Taken from http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2001/10/bullying.html on July 21, 2007.
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1 comment:
This is an issue that has recently arisen in our school. I would consider our school a safe school, but we have definately experienced a growing number of problems with bullying. I found your post insightful.
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