Middle school brings out the best in most kids. However, the emergence of a fledgling self-concept coupled with varying levels of physical and emotional development leaves some kids at risk for negative behaviors.
Both cliques and bullying distract middle school students from a positive experience.
A parent’s role in either of these troubling social situations is to advocate for their child by contacting the school.
Exclusion from a social group can quickly escalate to bullying when excluded kids become the focus of continued verbal or physical abuse.
Certainly the casual argument between friends doesn’t warrant a knock on the principal’s door; but, when arguments turn physical or include verbally abusive statements don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with the school counselor.
6 Signs of Middle School Bullying
- Rather than choosing to go out with friends your child prefers to stay at home
- Frequent complaints about going to school or attending school sponsored events
- Taking the bus is no longer an option. Your child pleads with you to drive him to school to avoid confrontations on the bus.
- Unexplained bruises or cuts
- Increased sadness or anxiety
- Steadily decreasing academic performance
Ideas that Prevent Middle School Bullying
- In most middle school bullying cases, victims do not want to tell an adult for fear that the violence or abuse will increase when the bully is indentified.
- Kids, like adult victims in the majority of abuse situations, may also feel responsible for somehow encouraging a bully’s abusive behavior.
- Talking with your middle school teen will help you remain aware of potentially threatening situations.
- Contacting your child’s teachers periodically for classroom updates can provide you with helpful information as well.
