Bullying is an imbalance of power where the victim is upset but the bully typically is not. Bullies usually have no remorse and do not see the need for a resolution. Bullying is ongoing and can be a serious emotional or physical threat.
There are several different types of bullying that caregivers must be aware of in order to prevent or halt bullying behaviors.
- Direct bullying: Aggressive behaviors occur in the presence of the targeted youth.
- Examples: face-to-face interactions (pushing, hitting), direct harmful written or verbal communications (taunting, mean notes)
- Indirect bullying: Aggressive behavior(s) are not directly communicated to the youth.
- Examples: spreading rumors, telling others to exclude
- Physical: hitting, kicking, punching, spitting, tripping, pushing
- Verbal: Taunting, name-calling, threatening words, notes or gestures, sexual comments
- Relational: designed to harm reputation and relationships
- Social isolation, spreading rumors, posting embarrassing images
When caregivers are committed to ensuring the safety of all children in their care, a bullying prevention program is an excellent way to address common behaviors in older children. A successful bully prevention program is:
- Universal (school-wide)
- Preventative and problem solving
- Focused on changing norms and behaviors
- Research-based
- Not time-limited; requires systematic efforts over time
- Inclusive of bystander involvement
Interested in learning more about bullying and ways to prevent or halt bullying behaviors? Check out H&H Child Care Training Center today and see our wide list of training courses offered to support early childhood educators.