How to counter the devastating effects of verbal bullying
Words are real things: they can lift us up or tear us down. Verbal bullying is a means of using words in a negative way, such as name-calling, teasing, put-downs, etc., to gain power over another person’s life. Learn about the effects of verbal bullying!
The lives of many people have been destroyed by verbal abuse at home, in schools, and in business settings. Children and adolescents have suffered mentally, physically, and emotionally due to abusive language. In some cases, these attacks have led to years of anxiety, depression, and even death.
Bullying is a major problem in the UK In 2013, the Department for Schools and Families for Children reported that nearly 46% of school-age children and adolescents reported being bullied; 40% had negative experiences with cyberbullying. In 2011/12, around 32,000 children called ChildLine for help with bullying issues.
Types and effects of Verbal Bullying
Verbal abuse can manifest itself in a number of ways. At home, it can be very easy for parents and siblings to fall into this trap by coming up with nicknames with negative connotations for someone in the family. A child who is overweight, for example, may be nicknamed “fat” or “porky.” As a parent, he may not intentionally mean to hurt your child, but these insults can take root in his mind and have negative repercussions over time.
Name calling is nothing more than a form of abuse commonly used against children. Verbal bullying can also take the form of criticizing, putting others down, spreading false rumors, or threatening to hurt someone. Hearing negative comments on a regular basis can erode anyone’s trust and esteem, not to mention ruin their reputation. Young children are especially susceptible to this type of abuse, which makes them feel unloved and rejected. For this reason, parents and schools are taking a strong stand against verbal abuse at home and in the school setting.
Effects of verbal bullying and how to deal with verbal bullies
Parents can play a key role in the fight against verbal bullies by taking a greater interest in their children’s lives. Young children need someone they can talk to as they get older. By establishing this type of relationship with your child, you can better help them through life’s difficulties.
Many children will confess when they are being bullied at school, but others will not. Changes in a child’s attitudes and behavior are indications that something may be wrong. If your normally outgoing child who loves school suddenly becomes quiet, reticent, and fearful of school, he or she may be a victim of bullying. Through open communication, you can uncover abusive situations in your children’s lives and provide them with the encouragement, help, and support they need to resolve these issues.
Ignorance is never bliss when it comes to dealing with bullies. As a parent, he has every right to face the situation head on and see it resolved. The first step is to report the abusive behavior to teachers and school administrators so they can be actively involved. Most UK schools have programs to handle bullying situations, to include training programs for teachers and staff to help them recognize bullying tactics and intervene when they arise. By working with school officials, steps can be taken to resolve the problem. In the meantime, you should continue to communicate with your child to ensure that he is safe from danger and harm.
Combat the negative effects of verbal bullying
With some children, the effects of verbal abuse can be seen immediately. They may become anxious, angry, or fearful or show signs of physical illness such as nausea, headaches, or chills. Other children may not have outward symptoms of abuse, but internally suffer feelings of rejection, inferiority, or fear. As a parent, you will need to help your child work through these feelings so that he can move on.
Bullying victims often tend to withdraw from others in an effort to avoid further hurt and pain. As a parent, you should encourage your child to participate in organized social activities to develop new friendships and feel like he belongs. Through these activities, your child can also improve his social skills that will benefit him as he gets older.
If your child has an interest or ability in a certain area, such as music, art, or sports, encourage him to develop this talent to build his confidence and self-esteem. By being positive, supportive and accepting of your child at all times, he will come to value himself as an individual and will overcome any negative effects that bullying may have caused.
