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Bullying in Middle Childhood - Coggle Diagram
Bullying in Middle Childhood
Types of Bullying
Physical
E.g. punching, hitting, kicking, spitting on someone, shoving etc.
Verbal
E.g. name calling, yelling, threatening, humiliating etc.
Cyber
bullying through the use of electronic communication
"unique in that it can be transmitted anonymously and reach victimized children and adolescents day or night, at home or at school" (Holfeld & Leadbeater, 2015, p. 116-117).
Why is this form of bullying so common in middle childhood?
“The higher rates of technology access and use among sixth-grade students suggest that technology used to connect with their friends outside school is becoming more and more common—providing opportunities for both positive and negative socializing (Hinduja & Patchin, 2012, as cited in Holfeld & Leadbeater, 2015, p. 129).
Social
E.g. spreading rumors, exclusion from games and other activities etc.
Discriminatory
E.g. making racist comments
Effects of Bullying on Development
Physical development
Poorer health development
Decreased emotional and cognitive health could contribute to a decline in physical health
Cognitive development
Cyberbullying can lead to high levels of psychological distress and symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation (Holfeld & Leadbeater, 2015, p. 117).
Poorer academic achievement
Social and emotional development
Poorer social lives
Poorer emotional health
Perpetrators during middle childhood continue to exhibit troublesome and aggressive
behaviour into late adolescence (Ybarra et al., 2019).
Decreased self-confidence
Where bullying can occur
School
Online
At organized activities such as clubs
Neighborhood
Preventive Methods and Support for Children
Educational Institutions
Encourage respect for all students
Teach students how to be upstanders and not bystanders
Bystander interventions
Set clear expectations and rules for students
Reward good behavior
"Discussions in classrooms at school and at home with parents can also help children to “think before the post” and avoid sending potentially distressing messages that cannot be taken back once they are posted" (Holfeld & Leadbeater, 2015, p. 130).
"Addressing the behaviors and attitudes of children at the classroom and school level may be necessary to reduce cyber bullying behaviors both inside and outside school" (Nixon, 2014, as cited in Holfeld & Leadbeater, 2015, p. 131).
Resource: ConnectED (www.reallifeonline.ca)
Parents and Caregivers
Talk to child about school (e.g. what they learned, who they played with etc.)
Encourage respect and emulate that at home
Validate child's feelings
Reward good behaviour
Enroll children in sports and other activities
“It has been found that physical activity through middle childhood plays an integral role in instilling self-confidence and in providing a conduit for learning" (Mah & Ford-Jones, 2012, p. 82).
"Children have a natural determination to excel and be socially involved. By encouraging them to participate in programs and activities that promote positive peer interactions and proficiencies, children will gain a sense of accomplishment and thus, self-confidence" (Mah & Ford-Jones, 2012, p. 82).
Help-seeking for victims
Introducing healthy coping mehcanisms
E.g. talking to someone, deep breaths, journaling (Ybarra et al., 2019).
Anger management for perpetrators
Definition of bullying (many exist but I chose one)
"Bullying is a subtype of aggressive behavior that is deliberately and repeatedly perpetrated by a perpetrator(s) who has more power than the victim" (Gladden, Vivolo-Kantor, Hamburger, & Lumpkin, 2014, as cited in Ybarra et al., 2019, p. 175).
Future Directions for Bullying Prevention Programs
Involving youth in bullying prevention programs is important
(Ybarra et al., 2019).
“Anti-bullying interventions need to be more systematic in involving parents, students, and staff to create a more supportive environment in which students feel safe to seek help" (Ybarra et al., 2019, p. 184).
Developmental Changes at this Stage
Social and emotional development
Children are becoming more aware of their own feelings
Children are starting to understand stereotypes
Physical Development
Muscle strength, motor skills, and stamina increase
Cognitive development
During this age period, a child's brain is adapting rapidly. "Based on Knudsen’s theory, middle childhood is considered to be a “sensitive period” because of the active role that experiences play in brain development" (Knudsen, 2004, as cited in Mah & Ford-Jones, 2012, p. 81)
Understanding things from different viewpoints