Bullying in Middle Childhood
Moral development is very important during middle childhood; this is the time when children learn kindness, respect, tolerance, and honesty. It only makes sense that children lacking these qualities could become the dreaded bully. Over the years bullying has become less accepted in society. Bullying is now seen as a social issue. Children who live in communities that present more challenges then opportunities have a disadvantage at having positive moral development. Where children who like in communities that have peers and adults that model pro-social behavior are more likely to have better moral reasoning.
Many children may experience bullying; either being the bully themselves of the victim in middle childhood. Bulling happens in both direct and indirect fashion. Direct bulling is physically harming another person and indirect bullying includes verbal, psychological, and relational tactics. Studies show that relational bullying is on the rise between females.
In response to the negative consequences that have been linked to bullying, many school districts have implemented bullying prevention and intervention programs with reports of positive results.
By: Julie Lienard
Yes bullying has become a major issue in today's society especially with kids around this age. We see it happening during school, out side of school time, even on the internet. I think one important way to deal with this situation is by having teachers and parents talk to the kids about the effects bullying has on others and how serious it is.
ReplyDelete-Chelsea Duncan
DeleteI love this subject. As parents, its our responsibility to install good morals into our children. I feel no matter what your religious preference, church is a great place to start doing so. I am comfortable in the thought my kids arent bullies and are emotionally sensitive to other's feelings because of this very reason. I wish they still made "after-school-specials" like they did when I was in gradeschool. It was a great way to teach kids about issues they will encounter in school, and proper ways to handle moral delimas Zara Foley
DeleteBullying is a big deal but I think that it happens equally among boys and girls. Intervention programs in schools are great too, but only happen when schools have the funds for them. When I was in high school not too long ago, there was one workshop per year focusing on bullying. Teachers were aware it was a problem in our school but more often then not decided to turn their heads the other way and not address the problem. Also, intervention programs will only work if the bully is open and accepting to changing themselves. When I was bullied in school they bullies were absolutely not going to change themselves. They liked having the control and power over others and were going to continue it as long as possible, until a teacher or other staff member stepped in. I guess what I am trying to say is that yes, intervention programs are great in schools, but more needs to be done if these programs can't get through to the bullies.
ReplyDeleteKatie Meehan
Bullying is indeed a problem in our society for both boys and girls. Boys tend to be more aggressive in the way they bully and girls are verbal and emotional abusive although studies show that the aggression is on the rise with girls. When a child is bullied they are victimized by another person and its sad that adults allow this to happen and don't take more of a stand against it. Although it dosen't seem to be discussed as much, studies also show that the bully suffers from anxiety,shame,depression,self-esteem, and personality disorders. Intervention should be focused on both the bully and the victim.
ReplyDeleteBullying is very much a big issue. My oldest daughter experienced indirect bullying first hand when she was in 3rd grade. My girls are adopted. Another girl in her class kept telling her she was ugly and nobody liked her because she was adopted. After about a week of my daughter coming home crying after school, I went to talk to the principle. He brought the other girl in to the office and asked her why she did not like adopted kids. She said that her parents told her not to play with foster kids or adopted kids because they didn't have real parents. I was so shocked to think that parents were teaching their children to hate other kids becuase of something they had no control over. The school counselor met with this girl a few times. She learned from the counselor, not her parents, that foster kids and adopted kids are just like her. She still bullied other kids for different issues. I have to believe that all of her bullying stemmed from her teaching at home. So sad.
ReplyDeleteSusan Davis
Bullying is a huge problem in today's society. I feel that this starts at home. Children need to be taught how this effects others and how wrong it is. As parents we need to educate our kids because far to many times as sad as it is teachers are the bullys themselves. We need to teach our kids to stand up for themselves and others even if it means to go against the "cool" thing.
ReplyDeleteBullying is such a big issue and something that needs more attention. I have never experienced bullying but I have seen it in action and it is an awful thing. I have a cousin who was constantly bullied in school and authorities never did anything about it. I see the affect it has had on him and it is truly a sad thing.
ReplyDelete