 |
 |
November 10, 2004
Bullying Has Serious Effects on Girls: Study
Bullying has been shown to have great psychological effects on children. Many girls and
boys are daily victims of this unfortunate practice. Bullying threatens the well being and
productivity of children in school. In addition many youngsters suffer negative long term
effects of bullying.
|
 |
|
Girls who are bullied are more likely to feel unsafe emotionally, according to a study by
the Girl Scout Research Institute. Likewise females are more likely to be depressed, enter
into risky behaviors, have difficulty forming friendships and experience problems in
school.
Recommendations from the Girl Scout study include these top 5 tips for
adults:
1. Be proactive about how girls feel, even if they are reluctant to
talk. Don't assume you know what they consider important, and don't
expect them to automatically share their concerns with parents or
other adults.
2. Encourage working together to establish guidelines for responsible
behavior.
3. Realize that a safe physical location is not enough. Trusted
relationships, in which girls feel valued and supported, are what
make girls feel emotionally safe.
4. Take emotional harm seriously. Typical environments, such as
classrooms or sports fields often create situations that cause girls
anxiety. Hurtful teasing, gossiping and name-calling should be
addressed by adults and girls together.
5. Make safety a shared goal - one that girls don't have to deal with
alone. For example, adults in Girl Scouting partner with girls and
encourage them to share their real-life concerns. Find these kinds
of safe settings for your girls.
Tips for adults on how to help stop bullying and teasing
Signs that bullying or teasing might be a problem:
-- reluctance to go to school or to participate in an activity they
usually enjoy
-- behavioral changes, like becoming more aggressive or more passive,
suddenly very compliant or very resistant, or have either low energy
or are restless
-- overly fearful or reluctant to go places or do things that have been
routine or anticipated in the past
-- speaks of herself in negative terms such as "stupid" or "bad"
Related Items in Our Shop
HOW RUDE! The Teenagers’
Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out for Parents
Peer
Harassment in School : The Plight of the Vulnerable and Victimized
for counselors
|
|
|
|