Bullying Does Not Always Occur in Person

Bullying Does Not Always Occur in Person

It is uncommon to see children, teens and young adults without some form of technology. From 6th grade on up it is surprising to see a person without a smartphone. Although technology has enhanced so many areas of our lives, for some children it can be another source for bullies to get to them. When many of us were growing up the term “cyberbullying” would have only been heard of in science fiction movies and shows. In today’s world, cyberbullying is rampant and young people who struggle with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression and more are easy targets because of their social and perceptual challenges.

Cyberbullying is often described as a form of bullying that happens online, through texts, or emails. One of the reasons for the increase is the lack of accountability, people are not face-to-face which makes gossip and criticism much easier to conduct. I am asked by young people and their families on a weekly basis how to handle this type of bullying. I thought it time to give a few suggestions to help those young people and families, with or without “special needs”, to repel bullies.

Parent and professionals alike can help young people:

  • Think about anything you want to post online and even have someone else check it out first.
  • Don’t assume that something you posted will be treated as confidential communication, we never know what others will forward.
  • Being kind to others online will help to keep you safe
  • Use common sense in what is shared, do not share anything that could be deemed hurtful or embarrassing to you or others.
  • NEVER give passwords to other young people, they can pretend to be you online and do serious damage to your reputation and credibility.
  • Do share your passwords with your parents or other trusted adult.
  • Only share posts with trusted friends, do not share a post with the entire Internet, there are people who are very good with acquiring critical information that can be used to harm others.
  • A stranger is anyone you do not know. An online acquaintance is not a friend, you only know what they want you to know about them.
  • Privacy settings let you control who sees what.
  • Children (those under 18) should not have unlimited access to the Internet or any “apps”.
  • Children (those under 18) should not have access to their phones or other technology after bedtime. Too many teens are staying up much of the night texting or on social media, unsupervised.
  • Parents talk to your children about cyberbullying and how they can prevent being cyber-victims.
  • If all else fails, parents seek professional help, the damage done by any type of bullying can and often does have life-long consequences for our children.

Dr. Eric Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D. Certified
Developmental and Behavioral Specialist

For more information about the services available at the Support for Students Growth Center in Boca Raton, FL, visit our website at: https://www.supportforstudentsgrowthcenter.com

For more information about our online “executive functioning and soft skills student success” courses visit our website at: https://drnachonline.com/

Follow us on social media as well @
https://www.facebook.com/NachAcademy
https://twitter.com/NachAcademy

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Students with Deficits in Social Skills and Soft Skills are More Likely to be Bullied

Children, teens and adolescents who have weaknesses in their “social skills” and “soft skills” are walking around with a proverbial “bullseye” on their foreheads. Those children who are “different” from their peers tend to make easy targets for the bullies of the world. But do not give up hope, there is much we can do to help our children learn how to “repel bullies”.

Scientifically-based social and soft skills programs can help teach the skills our children may be missing, otherwise known as the “hidden curriculum”, those people skills not typically taught in school. Some of the key areas lacking are:

Interpersonal Skills which address how to effectively use direct, honest and appropriate expression of thoughts, feelings and behaviors in dealing with others.

Self-Esteem/Self-Concept a personal level of satisfaction with current attitudes, beliefs and general behavior. The ability to see one’s self for who they really are based on their own perception not the perception of others.

Empathy is the ability to sense, understand and accept another person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Theory of Mind commonly thought of as the ability to understand the thoughts and intentions of others. In all my years of experience, I believe that much of the addiction to their “screens” phones, ipads, etc. is a result of Theory of Mind challenges where children do not see themselves fitting in with peers, so they find an alternate reality to participate in through their “screens”, while shutting out the “mean/cruel/stupid” world.

Self-Control Many of our children who are easy targets for bullies have challenges with being able to self-monitor their emotions and to self-regulate their emotions and behavior.

Conflict Resolution Children that tend to get bullied have a hard time advocating for themselves. This includes the process of resolving or finding a solution for some sort of disagreement, fight, or form of oppression.

Our social skills and soft skills courses can help your child become “bully- proof”, call today for free information.

Dr. Eric Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D. Certified
Developmental and Behavioral Specialist

For more information about our online “student success” courses visit our website at: https://drnachonline.com/

For more information about the services available at the Support for Students Growth Center in Boca Raton, FL, visit our website at: https://www.supportforstudentsgrowthcenter.com

Follow us on social media as well @
https://www.facebook.com/NachAcademy
https://twitter.com/NachAcademy

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