Being called “stupid” and a “loser,” having someone push you into a locker or trip you in the hallway, and getting your lunch money stolen – chances are, most of you know exactly what it’s like to be bullied by nasty little punks!

More info: Reddit

Third grader gets sucker punched by an older kid after he found out her mom called CPS

Image credits: RDNE Stock project (not the actual photo)

Image credits: Ron Lach (not the actual photo)

Image credits: Alexander Grey (not the actual photo)

Image source: u/Such_Caterpillar_396

“My mom hired two kids to beat up my childhood bully” – this internet user took to one of Reddit’s most vengeful communities to tell its members a tale of how her mother dealt with her childhood bully back in the ’80s. The post managed to garner over 15K upvotes as well as 878 comments discussing the situation.

Now, did you know that according to PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, which provides innovative resources for students, parents, educators, and others and recognizes bullying as a serious community issue, “one out of every five (20.2%) students report being bullied”?

Being a kid is an incredible stage of life that many folks look back on with fondness; however, despite all the blissful memories, for the bulk of us, it also came with a fair share of challenges.

Most children get teased by their siblings and/or friends at some point, and it’s not usually harmful when it’s done mutually and gets a laugh out of both kids. But when it turns into something awful, where a child fears doing basic day-to-day activities like going to school – it’s time to raise the alarm!

Power imbalances; the influence of peers; toxic family dynamics; insecurity and competition; a lack of empathy, and perhaps education – there are a million and one reasons why kids choose to bully other kids, and it’s your responsibility as a parent to guide them through the tough time and minimize its effect on their well-being.

For instance, Understood, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support so people who learn and think differently can thrive, urges parents to follow these steps:

• Care for your child;
• Use open-ended questions to encourage them to share and document the facts;
• Review the school’s anti-bullying policy and any state laws;
• Report it;
• Monitor the school’s response;
• If nothing gets done, take it up the chain of command;
• Finally, contact a lawyer if needed.

In the words of Dr. Haim Ginott, “Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression,” so always support and advocate for your little one!

Image credits: Mikhail Nilov (not the actual photo)