DOTHAN, AL (WDNews) – A psychologist from the University of Alabama at Birmingham is advising parents and educators on how to identify and stop bullying, particularly as harassment of children increasingly extends beyond the classroom through digital platforms.
Bullying is frequently misinterpreted, according to Margaret Canter, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at UAB. One difficult aspect is that, in Canter’s opinion, the term “bullying” is sometimes abused. Bullying is characterized by a pattern of unpleasant behaviors that are repeated and typically accompanied by a power imbalance.
She clarified that it may be a team captain tormenting a new player or a senior picking on a newbie. She said that since students spend a large portion of their time online, the conduct doesn’t always halt when the school day is over.
According to Canter, it is your responsibility as a parent to keep an eye on your child’s use of social media and other devices. Notifying them that I will be keeping an eye on that, and the child can inform others that my mother keeps an eye on my social media accounts. That, in my opinion, can generally reduce a lot.
By reminding them that they can speak out if they feel uncomfortable at school or online, Canter urged parents to establish open channels of communication with their kids. “A proactive approach is building confidence through activities where they can excel,” she added, adding that therapy can help youngsters who are struggling with self-esteem after bullying.
According to Canter, doing something they enjoy and are good at can make a big difference. Finding a child’s interest can help them withstand the bad consequences of bullying, she continued, adding that success can come in many ways, from sports or student government to theater and the arts.
