Bullying is an act of repeated aggressive behavior in order to intentionally hurt another person, physically or mentally. Bullying is characterized by an individual behaving in a certain way to gain power over another person (Besag, 1989). Behaviors may include name calling, verbal or written abuse, exclusion from activities, exclusion from social situations, physical abuse, or coercion (Carey, 2003; Whitted & Dupper, 2005). Bullies may behave this way to be perceived as popular or tough or to get attention. They may bully out of jealousy or be acting out because they themselves are bullied (Crothers & Levinson, 2004).
The effects of bullying can be serious and even fatal. Mona O’Moore Ph. D of the Anti-Bullying Centre, Trinity College Dublin, said, "There is a growing body of research which indicates that individuals, whether child or adult who are persistently subjected to abusive behavior are at risk of stress related illness which can sometimes lead to suicide".[6]
Victims of bullying can suffer from long term emotional and behavioral problems. Bullying can cause loneliness, depression, anxiety, lead to low self-esteem and increased susceptibility to illness.[7]
We had rough evening yesterday. Again our neighorhood has proved to be not so great. Garrett, my youngest was 'attacked' by some boys in the neighborhood that he was 'playing' with. And the worst thing is he was only there for 15 minutes! I cannot understand what is happening in this world and why things are the way the are anymore. He was punched, called a crybaby and had a chair thrown at him, which left this lovely bruise on his leg...that showed up instantly.
I immediately went down to the house he was playing and they were all on the trampoline. I had this boy who put the bruise on him get off, get his bike and go home with me. I also found out that the Mom of the house he was at wasn't home (which I didn't know) and her 13 yr old was watching her kids...AND this 13 yr old told the younger kids to 'dogpile' Garrett. I am mortified by this behavior.
I see this stuff happening in the news, but I will tell you I'm seeing it in my own backyard. When I finally got to talk to the Mom who wasn't home, she marched all of hers down, 13 yr old included. This child had such a horrid attitude! And his excuse, "we were just playing." I told him that something was seriously wrong when a 7th grader does this to a 1st grader.
And Garrett, when both of the children came to apologize (and the one has done things more than once) he has 'forgotten' because he wants to be friends so bad. His innocence and his ease of forgiveness is amazing.
My heart bleeds for my child. But I'm taking new steps because we will not be moving anytime soon because of the economy. And I will be posting more on Garrett.
But I will tell you. I pray to God. But last night I was on my knees. I was praying on my knees for my children, for my baby great-nephew and my Dad.
6 comments:
(((hugs))) Gena. I'm so sorry this happened to Garrett. There is just absolutely no reason for it. I will pray that it never happens again.
That is just shocking :(
How old is Garrett? I didn't realise he was only year one. Poor little boy.
What is wrong with kids these days?!
Ros, Garrett is 7. He's in first grade. He's a late first grader because he has a late birthday. I ask the same thing kids today are different. Look at those girls who beat that one girl up on that video.
He must be exactly between my girls - they are sick and seven and in grade 1 & 2. And they are so little.. it is sad to think of any kid that age or other being bullied.
Ooops.. I meant they are SIX and seven.. not SICK! sorry!
It broke my heart after reading that. Garrett is such a special kid just like baby Kaven! Kids today can be so mean. But the kids that are bullying are usaully the ones that haven't been taught any better and that strive for attention because their not getting it at home.
Post a Comment