A bully is someone who uses power and aggression with the aim of hurting another individual over and over. This aggression may be physical, verbal and/or psychological.
Bullies will often:
seek power over others;
look for attention;
be concerned with their own pleasure;
use and abuse other people to get what they want;
find it difficult to see things from someone else’s perspective; and
disregard other people’s feelings.
What parents can do
Be aware of what your children are doing, who they are with and where they are at all times.
When you ask your children about their day at school, carefully listen to what they say, and take their concerns and worries seriously.
Be aware of the early warning signs and characteristics of violence in children, and where to get help.
Teach your children how to reduce their risk of becoming crime victims.
Report any violent incidents, signs of gang activity, threats, weapons or rumours of potential incidents in your community to the police.
Help your children learn nonviolent ways to handle frustration, anger and conflict.
Create opportunities to discuss violence issues and prevention methods in your home.
Encourage your children to report crimes or activities that could potentially be of a violent nature.
Encourage your school and community to take an active stand against violence.
If your school or community has a Safe School Plan, help promote it by encouraging youth-and parent-led antiviolence activities and programs.
Footnotes
Adapted and reprinted with permission from the Canadian Safe School Network. For more information on bullying, visit www.canadiansafeschools.com.
This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances
May be reproduced without permission and shared with patients and their families