The Tribune

Police Advice

By Corporal Makelle Pinder

WITHIN our school system, bullying has reached dangerously high levels and become survival of the strongest.

Although it was once considered a rite of passage, parents, educators and community leaders now see bullying as a devastating form of abuse that can have long-term effects on youthful victims. Such an act robs an individual of their self-esteem, isolating them from their peers, causing them to drop out of school and even prompting health problems and suicide.

In an effort to minimise this escalating problem, the Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office encourages parents to pay close attention to these safety tips.

Why are children bullied?

Some children seem to be bullied all the time, while others rarely get picked on. Why do some children seem to attract all of the bullies? Children who are bullied often are:

• Different from other kids, whether by size, race, sexuality or have different interests

• Seem weak, either physically or emotionally

• Are very insecure

• Want approval from others

• Won’t tell on their bullies

When your child is a bully

It usually means that he or she:

• Lacks empathy and doesn’t sympathise with others

• Values aggression

• Likes to be in charge

• Is an arrogant winner and a sore loser

• Often pick fights with brothers and sisters

• Very impulsive

• Possesses low self esteem

• Have been bullied themselves

Warning signs

Many children are embarrassed to be bullied and may not tell their parents or another adult right away. Therefore, if your child comes to you and asks for help with a bully, take it seriously.

Even if your child doesn’t turn to you for help, you can watch for these warning signs:

• Withdrawal

• A loss of friends

• A drop in grades

• A loss of interest in activities he or she previously enjoyed

• Torn clothing

• Bruises

• A need for extra money or supplies

• Not interested in attending school

Solutions

Parents are often the best resource to build a child’s self-confidence and teach him or her how to solve their problems. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Talk to your child’s teacher about it instead of confronting the bully’s parents. If the teacher doesn’t act to stop the bullying, talk to the principal.

• Teach your child non-violent ways to deal with bullies, like walking away, playing with friends or talking it out.

• Help your child to act with self-confidence. With him or her, practice walking upright, looking people in the eye and speaking clearly.

• Don’t encourage your child to fight. This will only cause things to become worse than they already are.

• Involve your child in activities outside school. This way he or she can make friends in a different social circle.

Should you need more information on bullying or if you have information pertaining to any crime, contact the police at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Islands) or if you know of individuals who may be in need of counselling and emotional support contact the Crisis Centre Hotline 328-0922 or the Department of Social Services hotline 322-2763.