Anti Bullying Week
One Kind Word
Anti-Bullying Week began in the UK seventeen years ago to raise awareness about bullying and its potentially detrimental health effects on children and adolescents. This year, Anti-Bullying Week takes place from Monday, November 15th – Friday, the 19th. The pandemic has impacted connection with others, elevating the importance of this topic.
As things open back up, we have an opportunity to reflect on the importance of interaction and connection. What type of emotions did you feel when we could not interact with others in an organic fashion? Many of the emotions you may list are, all too often, what individuals that are bullied feel on a constant basis.
Connection and a feeling of belonging are so important in our lives, and research shows that rejection and ostracism can be devastating and adolescence is the developmental period that is most sensitive and vulnerable to their negative effects. Bullying is an unseen perpetrator that interferes with this process. Bullying can happen in person or online. It takes many forms, from physical abuse to verbal and emotional abuse, to cyberbullying and many other forms. The feeling and what this does to an individual remains the same. It often leads to feelings of despair, loneliness, anger/frustration, low self-esteem, and many more. These can contribute to disorders later in life, like depression, anxiety, social anxiety, substance use disorder, etc. In the worst cases, it can lead to suicide. Many kids go through their childhood and teens without addressing this underlying issue. Too often symptoms of bullying are treated but bullying remains unaddressed. Regardless of one’s role, we all have a responsibility to be aware of what bullying looks like.
There are warning signs that may indicate that someone is affected by bullying—either being bullied or bullying others. Recognizing the warning signs is an important first step in taking action against bullying. Not all children who are bullied or are bullying others ask for help. Here are just a few indicators that bullying may be occurring.
Unexplainable injuries
Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick, or faking illness
Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating.
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem
Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide
Let us remember our words are powerful. This is why the theme for Anti-Bullying Week this year is “One Kind Word.” Bullying takes away self-esteem and all it takes is having someone say one nice thing for an individual to feel recognized. In a world that can sometimes feel like it’s filled with negativity, one kind word can provide a moment of hope. It can be a turning point. It can change their day. It can change the course of a conversation and break the cycle of bullying. Best of all, one kind word leads to another. Kindness fuels kindness. So from the classroom to the playground, and from our phones to our homes, together, our actions can create a chain reaction of positivity.
Resources
Anti-Bullying Alliance – the ABA website has a wealth of information relating to all forms of bullying. Membership of the ABA is open to all schools and gives you access to new information and resources as they become available. The ABA can also offer bespoke training in relation to sexual bullying.
https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
Someone is feeling hopeless, helpless, thinking of suicide
To talk to someone now:
Call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
Chat with Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/
Kidscape - Kidscape provides practical support to children and families impacted by all forms of bullying. This includes online and face-to-face workshops for children and families as well as a Parent Advice Line.
