Parent Workshop Tries to Break the Bullying Cycle

It is often too easy to forget the experiences of our youth as we develop into adults. We may even want to forget them because of a negative experience, like bullying. This was the topic of discussion at during the Breaking the Bully Cycle parent academy session on Thursday, Feb. 10.

Jennifer Gauthier, a consultant for the Mental Health Association, spoke about how bullying can be physical, but it can also be psychological as in the cases of gossip or teasing, and in some cases it is even sexual. She explained that the bully expresses a need for power and control at the expense of their victims while the victims may suffer from low-self esteem, may have poor social connections and may be targeted because of their actual or perceived sexual-orientation.

Yet, it seems anything different about a child may lend to being targeted, according to literature from the forum. The bully however, may come from a home in which physical punishment is administered — thus the cycle of violence drifts from home to the collective learning environment. Bullying has the highest rates between 11- and 12-year -old children, but is also found in high school settings, and may be extended in a more discreet way into the adult workplace.

Additionally, a video clip was shown as an example of the more recent phenomenon of cyber-bullying. The clip showed a young girl administering a vicious collection of insults in front of a student assembly about a fellow classmate. The anti-cyber-bullying commercial shows that the anonymity of the Internet can foster a sense of security and empowerment, allowing the cyber-bully to say things they wouldn't normally say in real life.

Over-all, it seems that for a child, bullying is everywhere. What can be done? Literature passed out during the meeting encouraged having family meetings occasionally to address issues at school. Communication being the key element which can expose bullying. Teaching children skills of self-expression, offering support without dependence and being assertive, but not aggressive, are suggestions from the seminar that may help put an end to being a victim.

“It starts at home, it starts with us,” Gauthier said.

If your child is being bullied, Montgomery County Public Schools offers a form to submit to the school's principal. Visit the MCPS bullying prevention website or the following sites for more information: 

• Stop Bullying Now
• Safe Youth
• Bullying Online