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Early Intervention program | News Articles and Press Clips | Educational Courses | Upcoming Events & ProgramsBullying: Know the Facts!Most people would be surprised to learn that bullying can start as early as preschool. Sadly, teasing is a part of growing up. Hopefully, it is in good fun with family and friends for the most part, but words can cause pain in any circumstance. Teasing becomes bullying when it is repetitive or when there is a conscious intent to hurt another child. Bullying can be verbal (either by name calling or threatening), psychological (such as spreading rumors or excluding children from games) or physical bullying (like hitting, pushing or taking another child’s possessions). How Bullying Starts
Victims of bullying are often shy and tend to be physically weaker than their peers. They may also have low self-esteem and poor social skills, which makes it difficult for them to stand up for themselves. Bullies consider these children safe targets because they usually don't retaliate. Effects of BullyingIt isn’t always easy to see if your child is being bullied or is the bully. If your child is the victim of bullying, he may suffer physically and emotionally, and his schoolwork will likely show it. Grades may drop because your child is only focused on protecting themselves, fitting in or not being alone. Bullies are affected too, even into adulthood; they may have difficulty forming positive relationships. Warning SignsIf you’re concerned that your child is a victim of teasing or bullying, look for these signs of stress: How to HelpFirst, give your child space to talk. If she recounts incidences of teasing or bullying, be empathetic. If your child has trouble verbalizing her feelings, read a story about children being teased or bullied. You can also use puppets, dolls, or stuffed animals to encourage a young child to act out their problems. Once you’ve opened the door, help your child begin to solve the problem. Role-play situations and teach your child ways to respond. You might also need to help your child find a way to move on by encouraging her to reach out and make new friends. She might join teams and school clubs to widen her circle. At Home and on the Playground:Adults need to intervene to help children resolve bullying issues. Tell the teacher, even if the bullying occurs outside of school. A counselor, coach, or after-school program director may also be able to help mediate a productive discussion. At School:Many schools (sometimes as part of a statewide effort) have programs specially designed to raise awareness of bullying behavior and to help parents and teachers deal effectively with it. Check with your local school district to see if it has such a program. Schools and parents can work effectively behind the scenes to help a child meet and make new friends through study groups or science lab partnerships. If you are concerned about your child: Also, try to remember that the bully himself is also just a child. Here is a list of some possible reasons why children bully. Bullying is nothing to take lightly at any age. It is important to talk to your children every day and to be involved in their lives, even while they are in school. If you notice any of these symptoms, please make sure you try to get to the bottom of it!
Adapted by Kimberly Foschi, M.S. EDU
© Therapy Center for Children
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Bullying behavior is prevalent throughout the world and it cuts across socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and cultural lines. Bullying can begin as early as preschool and intensify during transitional stages, such as starting school in the first grade or going into middle school. 
