Are you raising a bully?

Finding out your child has been terrorizing classmates at school is never something a parent wants to hear, but it happens. So, how can you tell if your child is a bully before you get that dreaded phone call? Take our quiz to find out!

Is your kid a bully?

1. Is your child hyperactive most of the time?
2. Does your child act on impulse?
3. Is he or she usually disruptive?
4. Does your child seem overly aggressive?
5. Is he or she easily provoked?
6. Does your child have a positive attitude about aggression?

If you answered ‘yes’ to two or more of the questions, it’s possible your pride and joy may be the schoolyard bully.

Bullying occurs every seven minutes on the playground and every 25 in the classroom. It can have a devastating impact on both the bully and the victim. With that said, why do bullies do the things they do?

There is not one right answer as to why some children become bullies. Each individual case is based on different circumstances, but there are many factors that can contribute to this kind of aggressive behaviour:

• Personal problems
• Low self-esteem
• Victim of bullying
• Comes from an aggressive family
• Poor reward system in the classroom – one that only recognizes and encourages over-achievers
• Watching violent TV/movies
• Playing violent video games

According to the Canadian Children’s Rights Council (CCRC) website, most bullies are insecure and use intimidation as a way to feel superior and in control. They often choose children who are unlikely to report them to an authority figure, which allows the bully to establish his or her dominance.  Boys often intimidate for power, while girls do it for affirmation and affiliation.

Sixty percent of children in grades six to nine who are labelled as bullies will have at least one criminal conviction by the age of 24, so it’s very important that parents recognize changes in their child’s attitude and temperament.

If you’ve discovered or suspect your child is a bully, take the time to talk to him about his feelings and what can be done to alleviate personal problems he may be experiencing. It will have a positive impact on your child’s life as well as their peers’.