ABU DHABI // Parents can look for signs that their children may be bullying others or being bullied themselves, one expert says.
Samineh Shaheem, who started the anti-bullying initiative Bolt Down on Bullying and visits schools to educate kids about the problem, said it is important for parents to pay close attention to their children.
“You know, as a parent, your communication depths and breadths with your child,” said Ms Shaheem.
Children who are bullied may seem less enthusiastic about things they used to love, give shorter answers in conversation or have other noticeable differences in communication. Other potential signs may be physical evidence such as bodily injury, missing belongings or friends disappearing from their lives with no explanation.
These children also may see a decline in academic performance or not want to go to school.
Ms Shaheem warned parents not to overreact, but also to not brush the problem off or think “kids will be kids”.
“These signs should be taken seriously but also objectively. We don’t need to exaggerate our reaction if any of these things are present,” she said.
“Every sign is a sign worthy of attention. All I’m begging parents is to not dismiss anything.”
Teachers, meanwhile, can watch for children’s academic performance, emotional withdrawal and withdrawal from friends. Children who are bullied may also stop wanting to go out and play during recess, said Ms Shaheem.
Parents can also watch for signs that their children could be bullying others. Being more aggressive towards younger kids, lacking empathy, laughing at others’ pain and harming animals are potential signs, as well as having problems with authority or following instructions.
“We don’t want to demonise bullies. Bullies are kids – they are young, lovely kids with leadership qualities,” said Ms Shaheem. “They are just on the wrong track.”
“What we want to do is put them on the right track again.”
lcarroll@thenational.ae