When I was a child about 3,000 years ago, there was always the school yard bully.
We knew who he was or at times, who she was and we all participated in outright or subtle “avoidance” behavior. The rules of engagement were well known and all involved abided by them.
However, today, bullying has taken on a newer, darker and more troubling personality. It seems that there are some children that just simply like being mean. The negative values that they are shown from an early age come screaming through. It appears that today’s mentality is one of simply piling on some unsuspecting child.
My heart has been wrenched when I hear one of my grandsons talk about what he has gone through and what other kids are also going through.
The Bullying Statistic website, states;
” too many adults still see bullying as “just part of being a kid,” it is a serious problem that leads to many negative effects for victims, including suicide. Many people may not realize that there is also a link between being a bully and committing suicide.”
As his doting grandmother, I try to prop him up and tell him about famous people who were also bullied as children. I implore all of the aunts, uncles, grandparents and parents to keep an eye on this very serious matter. Find out if your child is being bullied or is in fact one of the bullies. They might be a tad bit reluctant to discuss the fact that they are being bullied, but it is important that the family in unity work together to support the child and to bring serious bullying to the attention of school officials.
Photo Credit: stevegatto2 via Compfight cc
Beatrice Bailey
Beatrice Bailey was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa to a Baptist minister father and a mother who was a gospel recording artist. She has three sisters and one brother. She attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a BA in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. Retired since 2004 from management positions with both the Xerox Corporation and the State of California, Bea now conducts customized seminars on “Budgeting for the Not So Rich and Famous”, “Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together…The Ultimate Balancing Act,” as well as interview techniques entitled, “Selling the Sizzle and Not the Steak.” In addition, she is an active member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Sacramento, CA, where she is an Adult Sunday School teacher. Bea has been a Head Feature Writer for Senior Magazine of Northern California. She also writes a monthly newspaper column entitled, “Uniquely Bea” Currently, she has authored a best-selling book, entitled, "Farewell, My Friend” and is conducting presentations and book signings throughout the United States and Mexico. "Radio Luz,” a Spanish Speaking Christian Radio Station, has interviewed her multiple times. Bea also was selected to be included in a book by The Author’s Show, as one of the "50 Outstanding Writers You Should Be Reading”. Bea has produced and hosted a new innovative television show, “A-Z with Bea”, which aired in November 2009 on RCCTV, Sacramento, CA. Bea is active at St. Paul Baptist Church and is an Adult Sunday school Teacher, and a Small Accountability Group Leader. She is a member of Kaiser’s Bio-Ethics Committee and on the Board of Advisors for the East Lawn Corporation. Recently, she has been asked to participate as a speaker with the Black Health Today national organization. To relax, Bea likes to work out at the gym, walk, knit, paint, sew, cook, garden, and read. Traveling within the United States, Mexico, Asia, the Caribbean, South America and Europe is one of Bea’s true passions. She has two adult children, one “bonus son”, five wonderful grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She resides in Northern California.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article.
BB
Thank you, Bea. Now our children are vulnerable to cyberbullying from video gaming, too. Harder to directly address or avoid an anonymous bully.