Black Parents: 3 Ways to Shut Down a Bully

What is bullying? Bullying is not merely teasing. Like harassment, bullying is all about intent. Bullies use their power or influence to purposely harm others. Bullying generally falls into four categories. Verbal bullying involves name-calling someone names or making hurtful remarks about a person’s appearance, race, gender or sexual orientation. Examples of Physical bullying include hitting, punching, kicking, tripping, and spitting. Emotional bullying entails ridiculing, teasing or ignoring someone. Cyber-bullying is using the Internet or electronic devices to cause harm, or posting offensive remarks on websites.

While some believe that bullying is natural and necessary part of childhood, others see it as an problem that requires addressing. Sure, kids have always been picked on by their peers, but the consequences and circumstances in today’s society can be severe. Bullying has even gained attention from Barack and Michelle Obama, resulting in the White House Anti-Bullying conferences.

How can we respond to the problem of bullying?