You know a child facing bullies at school?
By beaushell
@beaushell (339)
Philippines
August 24, 2009 12:52am CST
My niece got home this weekend telling stories about certain classmates bullying her at school. My niece is often quiet, friendly, pleasant and studies really hard. She is also known to be good in leading group work and is someone friends can comfortable ask help from. No story of any relational conflict in the past so this news is a total surprise to her parents and the rest of the family. She is being ridiculed, harassed, and face words of sarcasm everywhere she goes in their small campus by this young girls group. She is accused of different offense that is not true of her. Its really frustrating to hear this kind of situation these days. If you are in my place, what will you do?
3 responses
@MistyWood (349)
•
24 Aug 09
I am a teacher in the UK so the advice may be a little different... but still valid!
1 - Report it - to her form tutor / home room tutor / counsellor
2 - It is most likely becuse of jealousy, this doesn't solve it but may help to explain to her why it is happening
3 - Support her, keep her talking about it
4 - Write down the incidents, proof is essential
5 - Check the schools anti-bullying policy and make sure it is used
6 - Keep the pressure on the school - you need them to take notice and sort it out
7 - Tell her to ignore them - there is nothing worse for a bully that being ignored, bullying is all about image and attention
Above all else support her and be there for her.
@beaushell (339)
• Philippines
25 Aug 09
Thanks for your comprehensive suggestions. It will surely help. That's what we do now, shower her with lots of support and love. Yeah, I guess attention is the real issue here. Those girls are really longing for some. I hope this will end sooner.
@MistyWood (349)
•
25 Aug 09
My thoughts are with you.
I am sure that with the love and support of her family your niece will come through this and will end up a stronger person.
Best wishes
@jobear90 (35)
• United States
24 Aug 09
Many school or school districts have developed anti-bullying policies. I would check to see what the policy is and follow the steps according to what the policy states. I agree that your niece needs to learn how to handle difficulties in life but this should never come from someone bullying her. Chances are the small group of girls are very insecure, etc. and find it easier to bully someone and get others to join in. I would also recommend that she talks to a teacher or counselor that she can trust. I would however, caution you, to make sure that it is taken care of through the correct channels because the accusations and bullying could get worse if word gets to the young girls group that your niece is seeking help. She could be looked at as a tattle-tail and the bullying could get worse. Good luck and above all be sure to show your niece lots of support and love during this time.
@beaushell (339)
• Philippines
25 Aug 09
I guess we have come to that problem now. Yes, that is the concern. Her classmates and schoolmates are becoming aware of the situation and its not looking good. We are praying for the best move to make too. I believe the girls who are bullying her could be insecure or lonely. They need attention. I actually pity them.
@kendriajohnson (78)
• United States
24 Aug 09
Your niece should go to the counselor and make her complaints. If she doesn't want to do that there are some 1-800 numbers in almost all states that deal with situations like hers. She can probably get that information online, or from the school librarian without going into detail if she doesn't want to.
Bullying is a really serious thing and the bullies should be dealt with accordingly. But your niece has to learn how to stand up for herself and stop letting the bullies get the best of her. She has a long life ahead of her and if she doesn't get a handle on it now it may weaken her in the future and cause her to have a low self-esteem as well as many other problems.
@beaushell (339)
• Philippines
25 Aug 09
Thanks for your response. Here in our country, it has been alarmingly increasing. In our family its our first time to encounter this kind of problem. Kids the same age as my niece are also telling the same story. For some, this has been the reason they are not enthusiastic in attending classes and therefore get very low grades.
Yes, we did approach the guidance office about this. Actually, the meeting will take place today and will surely get update later.
