Bullying has become a hot topic across the nation as more and more children are becoming victims of bullying and cyberbullying. It is also not an easy subject to discuss as victims often do not want to report bullying to others.
In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Education released the first federal definition of bullying. The main elements of the definition include unwanted aggressive behavior, observed or perceived power imbalance and repetition of behaviors or high likelihood of repetition.
The definition also acknowledges two modes and four types of bullying. The two modes of bullying include direct (bullying that occurs in the presence of a targeted youth) and indirect (bullying not directly communicated to a targeted youth such as spreading rumors). In addition to these two modes, the four types of bullying include broad categories of physical, verbal, relational and damage to property.
Bullying can happen in many different places, whether it’s at school, work, the school bus, the playground, online, or via social media or cell phones. Many times, children who are bullied experience depression, low self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts. They can develop physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach pains or sleeping problems. These children may also be afraid to go to school, go to the bathroom or ride the school bus. They may lose interest in school, have trouble concentrating or do poorly academically.
Students who bully do not fare much better. Research shows that these students are more likely to get into frequent fights, steal and vandalize property, drink alcohol and smoke, report poor grades, perceive a negative climate at school and carry a weapon. Long-term research has also shown that these students are at increased risk to commit crimes later in life.
It’s important to note, however, that not all students who bully others have obvious behavior problems or are engaged in rule-breaking activities. Some of them are very social and good at ingratiating themselves with their teachers and other adults. That’s why it is often difficult for adults to figure out that these students are engaging in bullying.
Students who witness bullying taking place may also be affected. They may feel guilty for not helping, or fearful that they will be the next target. They may also be drawn into the bullying themselves and feel bad about it afterwards.
Although there is no federal anti-bullying law, some bullying actions can fall into criminal categories, such as harassment, hazing or assault. For more information on bullying, please visit www.stopbullying.gov.
A good first step is to discuss concerns with your child’s pediatrician or primary care physician who can assist with next steps. As a parent, there are many resources you can consult to help your child overcome bullying. Eskenazi Health Midtown Community Mental Health offers home-based counseling, mental health screenings, office-based counseling (anger management, social skills, trauma), school-based services and adolescent addictions counseling (individual, family, group).
Eskenazi Health Midtown also offers Community Alternatives to Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (CAPRTF) and Homebuilders. CAPRTF helps families with children whose emotional and behavioral problems have led to disturbances in school and in the home. Homebuilders is for families who are involved with the Indiana Department of Child Services and whose children are at risk of being removed from their home by Juvenile Court. This program offers short-term, intense, in-home services to work on family issues and skills training and development.
For more information on any Eskenazi Health Midtown services or programs or to schedule an appointment, please contact Access Services at 317-880-8491.
Nydia Nuñez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine
Eskenazi Health Center N. Arlington