Quiet Bullying
• Being left out of group chats, not invited/left out of after school plans and overall exclusion/socially excluding
• Not as obvious
• More subtle, covert bullying.
• Often harder to detect
• More difficult to generate evidence and prove
Shouldn't my kid be included and invited to all activities?
• No child or adult included all the time
• Even the most well liked or well adjusted can feel left out at some point in time
• Is it intentional or simply left out this one time?
Clinical implications of bullying:
• Decrease in academic performance
• Decrease self esteem
• Anxiety
• Depression and can lead to suicidal thoughts
What parents might see and what to look out for:
• Changes in your child's temperament or behavior
• Changes in their online habits
• Changes in friendships
What parents can do about it (tips and ideas):
• Communicate with your child. If notice any behavior changes, ask you child questions to open the dialogue
• Be there for your child, really listen and empathize without judgment and validate their feelings.
• Make home that safe space.
• Don't take away their phone although it seems like a fitting thing to do
• Have at home discussions about friendships
• Let your child know it is ok to say something if they notice bullying behavior.
• Remain calm.
• Know when to seek further support