ABU DHABI // Experts say that even toddlers are not immune from bullying, depression and phobias.
“Bullying happens at all ages. More than one mum in a parenting course has complained that her toddler is ... [bitten or pinched] by another toddler,” said Elmarie van Heerden.
“Any change in behaviour and emotions is indicative of the presence of problems in a child’s life.” Parents need to pay attention if children become aggressive, wet the bed, isolate themselves or fall behind in their schoolwork.
“By empowering them to be confident and assert themselves, parents can prevent their children from being bullied and from taking on the bully role,” Ms van Heerden said.
Dr Dolly Habbal said: “Parents take symptoms lightly. Social isolation, school phobia, crying, not wanting to go to school, involuntary urinating and vomiting are all indicative that a child is being bullied. Parents should be aware of these.
“Many times parents don’t think they need take to their child to a psychologist.”
She said that some of her young patients, aged seven to 10, have missed an entire term because they were afraid to go to school. When a parent allows this, it reinforces the fear.
Parents need to be informed and aware that bullying can start at a very young age.
“Children who face bullies are at higher risk of anxiety and depression. The emotional and long-term impacts can last for years, till the mid-20s, and it can lead to suicide or substance abuse,” she said.
Bullying in the short term disempowers children and leaves them frustrated, isolated and filled with self doubt. They lack the confidence to approach potential friends for fear of being rejected. If not acknowledged childhood problems can be carried into adulthood.
arizvi@thenational.ae