Understanding and Addressing Bullying

Julie Zeiberg, Psy.D. and Fugen Neziroglu,  Ph.D.

Bullying remains a significant concern within schools, affecting the mental health and well-being of countless students. In the United States, one out of every five students report being bullied. It's essential to understand what bullying is, recognize its signs, and know the steps schools in New York are taking to combat it.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is intentional, aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power or strength. It can be physical, verbal, or psychological and can occur in person or through digital platforms (cyberbullying). Bullying behaviors include making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

Recognizing and addressing bullying is vital for creating a safe and supportive school environment. To tackle this issue effectively, specific protocols guided by the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) have been implemented in New York.

Protocols in New York Schools

The first and most vital step in addressing bullying is reporting. Schools encourage students and parents to report bullying incidents to teachers, counselors or designated Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) coordinators. Reporting is essential because it brings the issue to the attention of school authorities, enabling them to take appropriate action. Schools often provide multiple channels for reporting, including in-person reports, anonymous tip lines, and online forms, to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and safe when reporting bullying incidents.

Once a bullying incident is reported, schools are required to investigate the allegations promptly and thoroughly. This investigation typically involves interviews with the victim, the alleged bully, and witnesses. The goal is to gather all relevant information to understand the context and severity of the incident. Thorough investigations are crucial as they help accurately identify the problem's nature and determine the appropriate course of action. School authorities are trained to handle these investigations with sensitivity and confidentiality to protect all parties involved.

Proper documentation is a critical component of the anti-bullying process. Schools document all reported bullying incidents, creating reports that describe the events, the individuals involved, and the actions taken. This documentation serves several purposes. It provides a clear record that can be referred to in the future, helps track repeated incidents, and ensures accountability. Documentation also aids in identifying patterns of behavior, which can be crucial for preventing future incidents and addressing systemic issues within the school environment.

Addressing bullying requires more than just punitive measures; it necessitates comprehensive support and intervention. Schools provide support to the victims of bullying through counseling services, academic accommodations, and safety plans. These measures help victims cope with their experiences and continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. Simultaneously, interventions are also targeted at the bullies. Understanding that bullying behavior often stems from underlying issues, schools offer behavioral counseling, conflict resolution training, and other programs aimed at addressing the root causes of such behavior. These interventions are essential for helping bullies change their behavior and preventing future incidents.

While support and intervention are critical, there must also be clear consequences for bullying behavior. Schools should provide appropriate disciplinary actions against bullies, ranging from detention and suspension to expulsion, depending on the severity of the incident. These disciplinary measures are designed to punish and serve as a deterrent against future bullying. By enforcing consequences, schools reinforce the message that bullying is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

What Parents Can Do

Parents play a crucial role in addressing bullying, whether their child is the victim or the perpetrator. Parental involvement is vital, especially when the school fails to address the bullying incident. If your child is being bullied, there are several steps you can take to help.

First, listen and support your child by creating a safe space for them to talk about their experiences without fear of judgment or retribution. Listening is the first step in providing emotional support and understanding the situation. Next, document bullying incidents by keeping a record of the dates, times, and descriptions of what happened. This information will be crucial when reporting the bullying to the school. Notify school authorities about the bullying by providing them with your documentation and requesting a meeting with the DASA coordinator to discuss the next steps. Effective communication with school authorities can lead to quicker resolutions.

Depending on the bullying incident and the impact it had on the child parents should seek professional help to support their child through their difficult time. Seeking psychological services can help the child cope with the emotional impact of bullying. Professional support can aid in your child's recovery and build their resilience. By taking these steps, parents can play an active role in addressing and mitigating the effects of bullying on their children.

If Your Child is the Bully:

It is essential to take proactive steps to address and correct their behavior. Start by having an open and honest conversation with your child to understand the reasons behind their actions. Effective communication is critical to identifying any underlying issues contributing to the bullying behavior. Once you know the root causes, set clear expectations by making it unequivocally clear that bullying is unacceptable and discussing the consequences of such actions. Setting firm boundaries helps in correcting inappropriate behavior.

Additionally, collaborate with the school to implement a comprehensive plan that includes behavioral interventions and support for your child. Schools can provide valuable resources and strategies to help modify your child's behavior. Finally, model positive behavior at home by demonstrating respectful and empathetic interactions. Children often emulate the behavior they observe in their parents, so consistently showing respect and empathy can reinforce positive social interactions. By taking these steps, parents can play a crucial role in helping their children develop healthier ways of relating to others and preventing further bullying.

Recognizing the Signs of Bullying

Children who are bullied often exhibit the following signs:​

• Physical Symptoms: Unexplained injuries, frequent headaches, or stomachaches.

• Emotional Changes: Increased anxiety, sadness, or depression.

• Behavioral Changes: Reluctance to go to school, changes in eating habits, or sudden loss of friends.

• Academic Issues: Decline in grades and loss of interest in schoolwork.

Being aware of these signs can help parents and teachers intervene early and provide the necessary support to the child.

Causes of Bullying

Bullying is a complex issue that can arise from various factors such as individual traits like low self-esteem and aggression, family dynamics including harsh discipline and conflict, and broader influences like school environment and societal norms. Children who are exposed to violence, inconsistent discipline, or media that glorifies aggression are more likely to engage in bullying behavior. Power imbalances, peer pressure, and a lack of empathy also contribute to bullying. Effectively addressing bullying requires a comprehensive approach that addresses these root causes at the individual, family, school, and societal levels to promote positive and respectful interactions.

Long-Term Impacts on Mental Health

The effects of bullying can extend far beyond the school years, leading to significant long-term mental health issues. These may include:

• Chronic Depression and Anxiety: Persistent feelings of sadness and anxiety can develop, sometimes leading to severe mental health disorders.

• Low Self-Esteem: Victims of bullying often struggle with self-worth and confidence, impacting their personal and professional relationships.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Severe cases of bullying can lead to PTSD, characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

• Social Withdrawal: Long-term impacts may include difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, leading to isolation and loneliness.

Understanding these potential long-term effects underscores the importance of addressing bullying promptly and effectively.

Addressing bullying requires a concerted effort from schools, parents, and the community. By understanding what bullying is and recognizing its signs, we can better support victims and address the behavior of bullies. New York schools are taking significant steps under DASA to create safer environments, but ongoing vigilance and proactive measures from educators and parents are crucial. Together, we can work towards eliminating bullying and fostering a more inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all students. If this topic interests you, please refer to our newsletter next month for insights into how psychologists address and treat clients who struggle with bullying.

10-item Questionnaire to help parents identify if their child is a victim of bullying.

1. Changes in Mood or Behavior: Have you noticed significant changes in your child's mood, such as increased sadness, anger, or anxiety?

2. Social Withdrawal: Has your child been withdrawing from social interactions or activities they previously enjoyed?

3. School Performance: Has there been a sudden decline in your child's school performance or a reluctance to go to school?

4. Physical Symptoms: Has your child frequently complained of physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained illnesses?

5. Sleep Patterns: Have you observed changes in your child's sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent nightmares, or bedwetting?

6. Physical Marks: Have you noticed any unexplained bruises, cuts, or other injuries on your child?

7. Belongings: Has your child reported missing personal items, or have you noticed their belongings being damaged or lost frequently?

8. Social Media and Online Behavior: Has your child become unusually secretive or distressed about their online activities, or have they suddenly stopped using social media?

9. Friendships: Has your child spoken about losing friends or being excluded from peer groups?

10. Direct Disclosure: Has your child ever mentioned being picked on, teased, or bullied by peers?