| A Bit about Bullies |
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Bullying dates back to caveman times, but the tragic occurrences at Columbine and other schools has given it new significance. As a parent you can take steps to prevent your teen from becoming either a bully, or a victim of one. Bullies crave power. They use aggression to fulfill their desires. Bullies do not necessarily suffer low self-esteem. They use physical violence or the threat of it (boys), or emotional attacks such as spreading rumors or scheming behavior (girls). Bullies seek out easy marks to lord over. Such victims have poor social skills or a lack of self-esteem. They may suffer from a learning disorder. Kids who can’t defend themselves or have few friends stand a greater chance of being victims. Essential parenting will prevent your child from becoming a victim or a bully. The bonds you form with your teen aid them in forming healthy relationships. Such interactions teach your child to understand and deal with many diverse people. They want to get along with others rather than pick on them. If your child has a network of friends to stick up for them, bullies will leave them alone. Teaching your child self-pride is good proactive parenting. If your child is self-confident and has a positive outlook, bullies won’t see them as the “soft target” they so prefer. Whether your child is a bully or a victim, standing on the sidelines is not the answer. Bullies feed on fear, and bystanders seem afraid. Teach your teen to stick up for the victims of bullies, and to let other adults know what is going on. If your teen is a victim or a bully, arranging a conference with school officials and the other teen and his or her parents is a good idea.
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