ABU DHABI // Parent and teacher intervention is crucial in preventing bullying, a child behaviour expert said at a convention.
Dr Young-Shin Kim, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California, presented a talk entitled “Bullying Experience in Youth: Nature and Intervention” at the Manarat Al Saadiyat on Tuesday.
She said parents must observe their children and teach them about bullying.
“The key is for parents to talk with their children about their school lives, including peer relationships, in a non-judgemental and supportive manner. This is because children often think it is their fault to be bullied,” she said.
Parents and teachers must also pay closer attention to the child and identify any issues the child might have at school.
It is also important that parents look out for signs that their child is bullying others, Dr Kim said.
“When parents realise that their children bully others, the parents must speak directly with their children about bullying in a supportive manner, but in a strong and clear manner that conveys the message that his or her bullying behaviour must stop immediately,” she said.
“Only then can parents ask what the bullying behaviour means to the child and why they are bullying other children. Parents should also speak with teachers and other school personnel to not only help the child to stop bullying but to also help create a more safe, structured and supportive environment in school that prevents bullying and other aggressive behaviours.”
She said victims can suffer from depression and poor self-esteem.
The perpetrators, she said, could end up having failed relationships and careers. They care also at risk of criminal behaviour.
The talk is part of a series of talks organised by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation.
It will continue in Al Ain Municipality Auditorium on Wednesday at 7pm.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
