The bully(s)
intentionally and repeatedly inflicts or attempts to inflict physical injury
and/or emotional discomfort upon the victim.
Physical Bullying: aggressive
shoving, kicking, punching, stealing items or money
Emotional Bullying:
malicious name-calling, spreading
rumors, intentional exclusion from group, threats (e.g. Cyber-bullying via SMS,
FB, social media)
Incidence in SG: 1 in 5 Primary School, 1 in 4 Secondary
School students (SCS, 2008)
60 % of students with learning differences & special needs experience bullying
Physical
scars (bruises, cuts) that seem inflicted by another party
Lost or
destroyed items or money
Appears
anxious or fearful of going to school (not due to academic issues)
Develops
psychosomatic symptoms
Sudden
changes in mood (depressed, anxious) or behavior
Becomes
socially-isolated, withdraw from social activities
5 Essential E’s: What You Can Do
1)
Talk about incidents of bullying in the news or
stories and subtly ask whether he/she seen or experienced something similar. Empathize
with your child and acknowledge their emotions. Create a safe, open
environment that allows your child to know that he/she is being heard.
2)
Educate
yourself about bullying. Look out for signs
that your child may be being bullied.
3)
Encourage
your child to build up their social support network at school. Speak up
for and report incidents of bullying at school.
4)
Empower
your child to stand up for himself or herself, teach strategies to deal with bullying.
5)
Engage
the help of school teacher/counselors to collectively make a stand against
bullying.
