What is it

Anything that impacts the performance and wellbeing of a student in school can be considered a school based issue, however, not all school based issues originate in a school, hence, the school community may need to access support from outside agencies address the ‘school issue” in question. One such issue is “bullying.”

What does it include

The national definition of bullying for Australian schools defines bullying as “…  an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Online bullying refers to bullying through information and communication technologies, e.g. the internet or mobile devices. Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflicts or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. In short, bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships involving a pattern of harmful verbal, physical or social behaviour.”

How can a psychologist help

Here are some strategies parents can discuss with children and teens, which may help, improve their situations:

1.Avoid the bully if possible and stay with friends who can have your back, why cause a fuss when you can avoid it?
2.Walk away, and ignore the bully, as many bullies thrive on attention and the negative reactions they cause others 
3.Tell an adult, the bully may call you a ‘snitch’, but this is better than the alternative
4.Talk about it with someone, do not bottle your own anger up
5.Practice assertiveness:
(a)I don’t like: ____________________ (specific behaviour the child does not like)
(b)It make me feel: _________________ (sad, angry etc)
(c)Can you please: _________________ (tell the bully how you would like them to behave instead)

References

https://bullyingnoway.gov.au
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bullies.html
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/dealing-with-bullying.htm
http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/issues/issues103.shtml
https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/how-to-prevent-bullying
http://www.education.com/topic/current-education-issues/
http://education.qld.gov.au/

If you require additional information, please call our office on 07 3256 6320. Our mental health focused reception staff will be only too happy to assist you with your enquiry about our service and can suggest the most suitable Psychologist for your concern.