Profiles in Bullying: The Victim

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Susan L. Davis
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Right now, there is a nationwide discussion happening on television and in the media about bullying in schools.

Dr. Mary Koopman, Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School principal here, said there are usually two reasons why bullies only pick on certain victims.

"Bullies choose their targets based on perceived differences, and perceived vulnerability or weakness," she said. "They find faults to prey on in their victims, the ones who they know will submit, who don't have a voice."

Younger children are typically bullied for outward appearance, such as the clothing they wear, or having braces or glasses, while teens and preteens tend to zero in on body image, particularly weight and height. Those with learning disabilities or who are rejected by their peers commonly face bullying challenges as well.

As part of the district's new anti-bullying policy, bullying report forms have been made available in numerous locations at the school and online. Once submitted, records are kept on file for several years, Koopman said.

"Another component is identifying the places on school grounds where bullying is most likely to occur--where adult supervision is most scarce," she said. "In those places, we are pushing for more adult supervision and proximity at all times."

Below is a list of suggestions about what to do if your child is experiencing bullying from the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program:
  • Never tell your child to ignore the bullying.
  • Don't blame your child for the bullying or assume that he or she did something to provoke it.
  • Allow your child to talk about his or her bullying experiences, and write them down.
  • Empathize with your child. Tell him or her that bullying is wrong, that it is not his or her fault, and praise him or her for having the courage to tell you about it.
  • If you disagree with how your child handled a bullying situation, don't criticize him or her.
  • Do not encourage physical retaliation.
  • Check your emotions, and consider your next steps carefully.
  • Contact a teacher, counselor or principal at your child's school and share your concerns.
  • Work closely with faculty members at your child's school to help solve the problem.
  • Encourage your child to make contact with friendly students in his or her class.
  • Teach your child safety strategies, such as how to seek help from a trusted adult.
  • Make sure your child has a safe and loving home environment.