Bullying at school – what to do?

What to do when children are bullied at school?

If the classroom goes beyond the small, harmless quarrels, and the attacks by classmates become more scathing and last for a long time, we are already talking about bullying. Because such things affect the students concerned, above all psychologically. Bullying and violence in schools have increased threateningly in recent years.

One speaks of bullying when an affected person is repeatedly attacked, directly or indirectly, over a longer period of time. The term itself means mobbing, assaulting or attacking. The form of bullying among students is presented as a malicious act with the aim of destroying and socially excluding the victim. The way can be different. The worst form is bullying through physical violence. A child is beaten, blackmailed or coerced. However, verbal bullying is still the most common method and no less cruel. Classmates gossip about the victim, laugh at them, spread unjustified rumors or even moan in class if they don’t understand something immediately. Sometimes a so-called silent bullying behavior also occurs. Here a student is ignored, despised and excluded. Girls and boys have different approaches. Girls tend to prefer the indirect, silent form, spilling secrets or spreading rumours. Boys, on the other hand, often act aggressively and openly. This behavior often leads to school anxiety .

When children are bullied at school, it often has dire consequences for the victims!

The usual consequences of bullying victims at school are stomachaches and headaches, sudden bedwetting , nightmares , anxiety attacks, depression and even suicidal thoughts. Students who are bullied have trouble concentrating, resulting in poorer school performance. Lessons are often skipped because the fear of meeting the perpetrators has become too great. In the end, the affected children become more and more socially isolated, blame themselves and become increasingly lonely. They neglect friendships, no longer go to parties or birthdays and after a certain time they can hardly open up to others.

Once bullying occurs, it becomes a vicious circle. Those affected withdraw. The perpetrators grow with their deeds and automatically increase their potential for aggression. The uninvolved students also suffer because they often cannot seek help from teachers and parents. The fear of becoming a victim yourself is too great. But bullying in school must not be tolerated under any circumstances!

What to do about bullying at school?

If children show the first symptoms, parents are required to act immediately! First you should try to talk to the child, but proceed very carefully, because in this situation you need trust and an open ear, but not too much pressure! Additional consultation with other parents or teachers may also be helpful. Possibly preventive measures can be taken in a conversation. Many schools already have projects to improve the school climate. If all strands tear, there are school psychological counseling centers dedicated to such problems. In an emergency you should call the police! Also read: How to deal with child grief?