Did you know that 1 in 5 students ages 12-18 have been bullied during the school year? The problem is more pervasive than some parents may realize.
From exclusive cliques to other forms of peer discrimination, there is a variety of ways that children are bullied at school. No matter the cause, it all boils down to a lack of respect.
Although bullying may be common among children, it is all the more reason as parents that we should be teaching our children to rise above such behaviors. With that in mind, here is a look at some of the most common causes of bullying at school.
Read on.
Parental Neglect
According to many, one of the most common causes of bullying in schools is parental neglect. When parents are not present in their child’s life and do not provide adequate direction, children may resort to bullying as a method of gaining attention or establishing a sense of dominance.
This lack of attention might be emotional, physical, or financial in nature, leaving the child feeling inadequate and unhappy. If their parents do not offer them with the necessary love and support, a child may act out and use bullying as a coping mechanism.
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Fractured or Dysfunctional Family
Family relationships that are fractured or dysfunctional might have a key impact in the development of bullying behavior at school. Children who grow up in households with unstable or bad family ties may resort to bullying to acquire power and control over their life. They frequently experience a lack of affection and support at home.
This might result in sentiments of bitterness, rage, and insecurity. This can be shown in hostile conduct against others, even classmates. Furthermore, children who have undergone trauma, neglect, or abuse in their homes are more prone to bully others as a coping mechanism for their anguish and fears. To learn how to stop a bully, consult with a counselor.
Authoritarian Parenting Styles
Authoritarian parenting styles have been linked to a variety of negative outcomes. This is also one of the most common consequences is bullying at school. Children who are raised by authoritarian parents are often taught to use aggression and power to control others.
Bullying behaviors may become more likely as a result of this. Typically, this parenting approach incorporates rigorous rules, severe penalties, and little parental emotional warmth or support. Children may internalize these practices as a result and use them to dominate and manipulate their classmates.
This cycle of behavior can create a toxic environment at school. This can also negatively impact both the child exhibiting authoritarian traits and their victims.
Abusive Home Life
A hostile family setting is one of the most prevalent causes of bullying at school. When children see abuse and violence in their homes, it can be difficult for them to regulate their emotions and behaviors. As a result, as a coping method for their trauma, they may act out or bully others.
Children who witness their parents or other family members behaving abusively toward one another may believe that this is the norm when engaging with others. This can lead to children imitating these behaviors in school.
Children that are bullied at home may develop the tendency of bullying others. This is a way for them to impose control and influence over others, as they have witnessed in their own life.
Poor Academic Performance
Bullying at school is a persistent problem that affects many students. One of the most common causes of bullying is poor academic performance. Students who struggle academically are often targeted by their peers for being different or not fitting in with the mainstream.
This can lead to verbal and physical abuse, exclusion, and cyberbullying. In many cases, bullies may also have low self-esteem or may feel threatened by the successes of their peers.
This makes them more likely to lash out. Schools need to address the issue of poor academic performance and provide support and resources to help students succeed and prevent bullying.
Insecurities
Another common cause of bullying is insecurities. Insecurities can stem from a variety of sources, including family dynamics, social status, and academic performance. Students who feel insecure about themselves may lash out at others in an attempt to boost their self-esteem.
They may target other students whom they perceive as weaker or different, using bullying as a means to establish their dominance. Some bullies may project their insecurities onto their victims.
This can cause them to feel even more insecure and vulnerable. Addressing and understanding insecurities can be a crucial step in preventing and addressing bullying in schools.
To Get Attention or Become Popular
One of the most common motivators for this behavior is the desire to gain attention or popularity. Many teenagers who harass others do so in order to be noticed and given attention by their peers. Bullying may be used as a coping method because they do not feel liked or popular, or it may be used to take power and control over others.
They want to feel popular within their social groups, therefore they exert power on and induce dread in their victims. Anxiety usually drives this want for attention and recognition. This can lead bullies to target those they perceive as weaker or less popular.
Know the Causes of Bullying to Help Address It
In conclusion, we need to address the underlying causes of bullying in our schools. This is to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. This requires implementing prevention and intervention programs, promoting empathy and respect, and encouraging open communication.
One of the first stages in resolving this issue is to have a conversation with children about bullies. Together, let’s put a stop to bullying and build a brighter future for our youngsters. Today, take the initiative to combat bullying.
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