Therapy For Children Who Are Being Bullied
Counseling
As a parent, you want the best for your children. If they are being mistreated at school from other kids, it’s time to intervene and get them some help. Depending on the severity of the bullying, it may be appropriate to contact the school and/or report it to law enforcement. Bullying should always be taken seriously, as words do hurt and can be lasting, especially at such a young age. Never hesitate to have your child see a compassionate and experienced therapist if they are struggling with bullying from their peers.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is any unsolicited or unwelcomed acts of violence, harassment, intimidation, social exclusion, verbal abuse, or sexual coercion, which have the intent to cause mental or physical harm. Bullying most often occurs during preteen and teenage years, in both elementary, middle, and high school. These are delicate formative years, so bullying can have a long-term negative impact on a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
Many times when children are bullied, it’s because they are seen as different or have a weakness. Risk factors for bullying are those with a minority status, low-income, intellectual disabilities, underweight/overweight, or unpopular. Children who struggle with anxiety, self-harm, depression, and low self-esteem are particularly vulnerable.
Parents are encouraged to take action immediately upon noticing their child may be a victim of bullying. Examples of bullying are listed as follows:
- Verbal aggression
- Cyber bullying
- Social or relational aggression
- Workplace bullying
- Physical aggression
Warning signs that your child may be suffering from bullying include unusual injuries, broken or damaged property, rule-breaking, and more. If your child is being bullied at school and could use some extra support, consider contacting a professional as soon as possible, such as a counseling therapist from Lotus Wellness Center.