Every year, before the regular classes start, parents’ orientation is being conducted in RJ’s school. This is to introduce the new parents to the school resources and programs and to educate them about the school policies and regulations. School admins and teachers also introduce themselves and establish rapports with parents. RJ is with their school for 4 years so I already know (by heart) all their rules and programs that was why I didn’t attend for the last 2 years. But because of the new educational system in the country which is the K12, I decided to attend the orientation this time and I am glad that I did, not just because of the K12 but also because of their anti-bullying campaign. I am glad that RJ’s school is one of those schools that support the Anti-Bullying Act of 2012 H. No.5496 to stop student bullying, harassment and intimidation.
“An act requiring all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies
to prevent and address the acts of bullying in their institutions.”
What is bullying?
“Bullying is when someone (or a group of people) with more power than you,
repeatedly and intentionally uses negative words and/or actions against you,
which causes you distress and risks your well being.”
According to the 2010 Bullying Statistics in the Philippines…
- 7 out of 10 students in Grades IV to VI and high schools and 4 out of 10 in Grades I to III have experienced violence in school.
- One in 7 students in Kinder through high school is either a bully or has been a victim of bullying.
- One out of 10 students drops out or changes schools because of repeated bullying.
Why do people bully?
- To pretend they are tough.
- To try to get others to like them.
- To hide their own fears.
- They copy others who bully.
- They are unhappy.
- They don’t like who they are.
How can you differentiate bullying from normal peer conflict/mean behavior?
Normal Peer Conflict/Mean Behavior
- Equal power
- Happens occasionally
- Accidental
- Not serious
- Equal emotional reaction
- Not seeking power
- Remorse – will take responsibility
- Effort to solve the problem
Bullying
- Imbalance of power
- Repeated negative actions
- Intentional
- Physical or emotional harm
- Unequal emotional reaction
- Seeking control/material things
- No remorse/blames target
- No effort to solve the problem
Some Contributing Factors associated with Bullying
Family Factors
- Lack of attention and warmth
- Modelling of aggressive behavior at home
- Poor supervision
Individual Factors
- Active, impulsive personality
- Lack of empathy for others
- Craves for attention and approval from others
School
- School climate is perceived as uncaring or different
- Teachers/staff unaware or unclear of bullying definitions or how to respond
How do you know that your child is being bullied?
Emotional Signs
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Changes in eating patterns
- Frequent tears of anger
- Mood swings
Physical Signs
- Unexplained bruises, cuts scratches
- Comes home with missing or damaged belongings
- Comes home hungry
Behavioral Signs
- Feels ill in the morning
- Becomes withdrawn or starts stammering
- Becomes aggressive and unreasonable
- Refuses to talk about what is wrong
- Begins to target siblings
School Signs
- Doesn’t want to go to school
- Changes route to school
- Frightened of walking to school
- Grades begin to fall
- Often alone
- Appears insecure
How to avoid future bullying?
- Do not let your child bring expensive things or much money to school
- Don’t allow your child to hang out with friends for long hours
- Don’t let your child stay in unsupervised areas
- Tell your child not to walk alone and to avoid places where bullying occurs