Due to relatively recent student-led school shootings and youth suicides, bullying has come to the forefront of the public eye. Several campaigns have evolved to prevent youth bullying in schools, but in reality, many people have forgotten that kids aren’t the only ones capable of bullying.
Adults often engage in the act; and unfortunately, some adults in trusted positions, such as teachers and child care workers, focus their mean-spirited behaviors on children. For this reason, every parent should understand this unfortunate epidemic.
When Adults Bully Children
Those who haven't seen adults bullying children firsthand may believe that it's not a problem, but they'd be wrong. For instance, a grand jury in California recently called for policies related to adults who intimidate children. In this shocking case, several parents complained about how a specific teacher was intimidating their children by throwing objects and openly humiliating them.
A recent study of adults bullying children found that 70.4 percent of teachers admitted to knowing of an isolated case of adults bullying children under their supervision. A full 17.6 percent of respondents said that they saw the behavior frequently. Regretfully, 40.2 percent of the individuals studied admitted to bullying a child at least once while in their teaching position.
Over the last few years, teacher bullies have become more prevalent, especially in major cities. For example, Chicago has had several cases where rogue educators demonstrated poor examples in the classroom by terrorizing students. Parents of these victimized children have been forced to seek legal counsel and much-needed support from resources, such as the National Bullying Prevention Center and articles from the Chicago Parent magazine.
Types of Bullying
There are several types of bullying that a child may experience from an adult figure:
- Verbal - Adults may also verbally pick on, threaten or demean a child as a form of bullying.
- Humiliation – As previously mentioned, humiliation is another tactic used by adult tormentors, and this can be more embarrassing for a child since it’s often done in front of their peer group.
- Physical - Physical bullying is exactly what it sounds like, and it can sometimes lead to serious injuries to a child.
Effects on Children
Though physical harassment can leave physical scars, bullying in general, whether it is physical, verbal, or humiliation, can lead to life-long mental scars. Several studies and decades of data point towards bullied children have increased rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety as adults. Because of these potential harms, and the immediate harm of physical bullying, parents should seek out legal advice if they discover that their child is being terrorized by an adult.
Signs to Look For
Physical Marks or Scars - Several signs could point towards the possibility that a child is being persecuted by an adult. Unfortunately, not all children will show these signs, so it can be hard to ascertain if bullying is occurring. However, if warning signs do appear, they must be immediately noticed. Unexplained bruises, scrapes, or other physical marks are some of the most obvious signs that physical bullying is occurring.
Behavioral Changes – Less obvious signs can include marked changes in behavior. If a child starts experiencing trouble sleeping, such as having nightmares, bedwetting, or crying while trying to sleep, there's a chance that they may be getting bullied. Additionally, if a child begins browbeating their siblings or other children, it could be a sign that they're flipping the bullying role to feel more in control.
The simple fact is that any type of behavior change should be suspect. While there's no telling whether this bullying is occurring from other children or a trusted teacher, child care worker, or even therapist, this information can often be coaxed out of a child.
What Parents Should Do?
It’s important to speak with the child when it appears they’re getting bullied and let them know that they’ve done nothing wrong. The child should also be told that they’ll get into no trouble, whatsoever, by admitting to what’s going on. By the end of the ordeal, a parent may have to visit mental health and legal professionals, but these steps can help a child get over their difficult experience.
Bullying is a serious matter which should never be taken lightly. The effects that peer bullies can have on a child are detrimental enough, but when the mistreatment is coming from an authoritative figure who is supposed to take care of the child, it can be especially damaging. Anyone who suspects that their child is being bullied by an adult should speak with an attorney immediately. The possible repercussions caused by their vindictive, negligent, and intentional behaviors can leave them liable for civil damages; and if this type of action isn't taken, it's unlikely that the bullying will ever stop.
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