This evening’s “The Bully, The Bullied, and The Bystander: How Parents Can Support Their Children” informative session (see Tuesday newspaper) hosted by the Student Support Services Division (SSSD) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) at University of St. Martin (USM) is not just for parents of possible bullying victims. As the topic indicates, getting to those doing the bullying and others looking on is equally important.
People who even suspect their child might fall in either group would do well to attend. Potential abuse victims are not the only ones whose future may be at stake.
When such behaviour becomes the norm and is even encouraged – often to share the video online and increase their social media popularity – it impacts all involved. In other words, those standing, watching and cheering without any attempt to intervene are to a certain extent no better than the culprits and they too could suffer psychological consequences that show up later in life.
As for the bullies, things usually don’t end well for them. At some point most will meet their match, unless they change their attitude and embrace non-violence.
Parents, caregivers but also teachers can make a big difference in that regard.
The sooner a problem is identified and acknowledged, the bigger the chances of making a positive adjustment both at home and in school.
Unfortunately, it increasingly seems that in today’s world empathy is no longer a given.
