Bullying can be a humiliating and embarrassing experience for a child which can demoralize them. If the child is being bullied in his school, it is very incorrect to on part of parents to ignore this issue. The help and support of parents is very important to help the child cope with bullying. Learn about why children are bullied, the effects bullying can have on children and what parents of bullied children can do to help them.

Anand was a young boy studying in a school only consisting of boys. He was not aggressive like other boys. He did not like football and other games played by boys of his age. He was soft-spoken and quiet, not boisterous like his other classmates. He loved dance and studying. Sadly, a few boys in his class started being mean to him and bullying him everyday.

They would call him names like 'girly' and 'Anandita' instead of Anand! They used to tease him everyday. They would tell him he was like a girl and crack jokes about him. They constantly made fun of him and this teasing almost drove him to depression. He would be on the verge of tears everyday after school and cried himself to sleep every night. However, Anand's parents gave him right support and help to fight back this situation.

Sadly and unfortunately incidents like the above do occur in schools. The term is known as bullying and it is a very humiliating and painful experience for the victim. But right steps taken by parents at the right time can help the child to cope with the situation.

Who are at the Risk of Being Bullied?

It is very often children with special needs, handicapped children, overweight children, children who are shy and anxious and others with certain psychological traits who become victims of bullying.

Studies show that overweight adolescents are more likely to be bullied by their classmates than those of normal weight. The bullies pass nasty comments on them and tease them. Children with a handicap or a disability are often an easy target. Bullies often target those with disabilities because they are easier to pick on .These children generally don't fight back or complain about it especially if they have an inability to communicate properly.

Effects of Bullying on Children

Bullied children often feel neglected and lonely. They are made fun of and left out of groups on purpose. At such times the support and care of parents and teachers will help them to fight bullies. Children who are being bullied dislike going to school and the very thought of going to school makes them fearful and uneasy. Bullying can also have long-term effects on both the bullies and the bullied. Studies show that bullies are more likely to engage in criminal activity at a young age itself .Children who have been bullied are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, loneliness and other negative emotions. In some severe cases the bullied child may also experience unwanted thoughts. Therefore, it is very necessary for parents to take the right steps to help their child to come out of this situation.

Why are some Children Bullies?

There are many reasons why some children bully others. Bullies are children who like to dominate others. Bullies are often children who want to feel important and want to make themselves popular. Bullying children who are weaker than themselves makes them feel big and powerful. Many a times bullies are just insensitive children who know that it hurts their victims but they continue to do it anyway.

Some children who bully are attention-seeking. Children who do not get emotional support at home and are not given attention at home may try to attract attention towards themselves in the classroom through bullying. In some cases, a child who is bullied sometimes ends up bullying others. Other factors such as teacher's indifference to the victims and bad disciplining by parents of bullies can also cause bullying.

What Parents can do

If your child is being bullied, do not take it lightly. Teach your child to be confident and brave. Make sure that your child understands that he is not to be blamed. These children may develop low self-esteem and begin doubting themselves. They may feel that something must be wrong with them. Make sure you let your child know that he is as equal and as important as anybody else.

School days are meant to be filled with beautiful and fond memories. Bullying takes away the memorable experiences associated with school life. Every child has a right to be treated respectfully. Bullied children are innocent and do nothing to deserve such treatment. Take a strong stand if your child is being bullied and make sure your child experiences a healthy and happy childhood.