Common misconceptions
Bullying is a rite of passage.
Bullying is not a rite of passage. If not taken seriously and stopped, bullying can have long-term and very serious impacts on the way people feel about themselves and relate to others.
Bullying is just a reality of growing up.
Although common, bullying is not something that simply occurs as a natural part of childhood. Bullying goes beyond normal childhood conflicts and disagreements as children develop social skills. There are many reasons and ways to stop it.
Physical bullying is worse than other kinds of bullying.
Any form of intimidation and harassment, from physical to emotional to cyber bullying, can cause serious harm to those involved.
My child would never be a bully.
Parents are often surprised when they discover that their child is the bully. Your child may interact very differently with you or when you are present than he does when adults are not around.
Bullies seem tough, but they are unpopular and really just insecure.
According to research, some of the most aggressive boys are also the most popular and socially connected. Most bullies also have average or better than average self-esteem.