The Impact of Bullying on Students with LD and How

We Can Help

PWP Centre Sharing 23rd Oct 2012Teo Sue-Lynn

‘Bully’ (Official Trailer) 2012

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUy2ZWoStr0

What is Bullying?

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The bully (s) INTENTIONALLY inflicts or attempts to inflict physical injury and/or emotional discomfort upon the victimThe victim is exposed to such NEGATIVE acts repeatedly and over timeUsually an imbalance of power b/w bully and victimPrevelance of Bullying in SG1 in 5 Pri Sch Students1 in 4 Sec Sch Students

Types of Bullying

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Physical bullying (Direct)-Overt aggression via physical acts

Emotional bullying (Indirect)-Verbal aggression via Name -calling-Intentional exclusion from group-Spreading malicious rumors -Threats (If you don’t -----, I will------)-Cyberbullying ( offensive texts via SMS, FB, Twitter )

Students with LD are often victims of bullying

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Over 60% of children with LD experience some form of bullying ( CLD, 2012)

2-3 times more likely to be bullied than peers

CONSIDER THISA primary 3 boy with dyslexia-has trouble decoding, poor reading fluency and

is called to read aloud in class->_____________?-difficulty spelling simple sight words, called to

spell on the white board->__________________?-has great creativity, enthusiasm, deep

knowledge of subject matter but is seldom chosen by his friends because of disorganized nature, poor memory->_____?

Students with LD are often victims of bullying*

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“ I feel depressed and lonely … hate going to school”

" Makes me feel bad about myself , like I am worthless .“

“ I feel hurt when people call me stupid and slow….even though I try my best ”

“---when they found out I was dyslexic, they did not want me in their group…”

Why are they being bullied?

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•Notion of power imbalance b/w bully and victimBULLY:•sense of “ empowerment” from seeing victim suffer •gain ‘recognition’ from peers -> tool for boosting their SEVICTIM•Students with LD seen as easy, vulnerable targets•Perceived as ‘different’ from majority •Social and emotional maladjustment –feel that they do not fit it• Poor social support at school• Co-morbidities (e.g. autism, ADHD) makes them more vulnerable

How do they respond?

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1) Passive* ( Internalise Emotions)-rarely defending themselves , non-assertive-react by withdrawing and crying-emotional numbness ( after continuous bullying)-develop psycho-somatic symptoms-> skip school-vulnerable to vicious cycle of bullying

2) Active (Externalise Emotions)-retaliate using aggressive physical acts /verbally-often driven by anger and frustration-may further exacerbate the situation

Effects of BullyingFurther lost of SELF-ESTEEM (valuation of oneself)

Reduction in SELF-EFFICACY (belief in ones’ ability) -> affect academic performance

Feelings of helplessness (trapped in vicious cycle)

Depression, anxiety (Long-term impact)even suicide

Perpetuate a viscous cycle of bullying

LONG TERM PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS …on future relationships/how they interact with others, self-confidence..

What can we do to help?

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1. Identify SIGNS of Bullying -Unexplained physical injuries -Stolen or damaged items/ ‘lost’ money-Unexpectedly anxious /fearful about going to school-Symptoms of depression-May avoid topic about school-Indication of frequent crying-Develop psychosomatic symptoms •some may mask their emotions-> may not show signsNote: analyzed in context of other contributing factors

2. Talk. Listen. Find Out

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-Talk about incidents of real-life/cyberbullying and its effects ( e.g. 15 year old Amanda Todd, 13 year old boy southern Japan)-Share videos about bullying http://www.dontstickit.org.uk/school.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEpBujdee8M-Talk about their feelings : Emotions chart-Create an open, safe environment-LISTEN to them: It’s okay to share , they are not alone-Find Out- Bullying /Victimization Scale

2. Educate them about Bullying

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Bullying Others

happens repeatedly occasionally

done on purpose done accidentally

power imbalance argument over matter

seeking control and trying to gain power

trying to gain material things or settle dispute

not remorseful some form of responsibility taken

Serious psychological and/or physical effects

No significant psychological impact, some physical

3. Teach Strategies to Cope with Bullying

a) Walk away from the bully Bullies less likely to continue if do not get a responseb) Assertive statements -I do not deserve to be treated this way.-I deserve respect and can stand up for myself.c) Having a strong social support networkb) Report incident to teachers/ relevant authoritiese) What NOT to do ( get physical or retaliate, threaten or call the person names, crying or showing fear)

3. Help Build Self-EsteemHealthy self-esteem can act as a buffer against the effects of bullyingHelps to increase self-confidence -> stand up against bullies Help discover their talents/strengths-> nurture and encourage it to grow (e.g. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Test)

Activities to help strengthen self-esteem-Put ups, not put downs ( +ve attributes, affirmation)-Things I like about myself

4. Educate the school/teachers

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•Take a STAND against bullying •Pledge NOT to be a bully and to HELP others who are bullied ( I pledge not to……)•Communicate , collarborate with school teachers/AED•Refer to school counselors if bullying problem leads to serious psychological issues

Referenceshttp://www.ncld.org/parents-child-disabilities/

bullying/truth-about-bullying-ldhttp://www.bullying.co.uk/advice/disabilityhttp://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavio

r/bullies.htmlhttp://www.bullyfreecampaign.sg/cyber_bully

ing/index_cyber.phphttp://thebullyproject.com/http://www.bullyingnoway.com.au/

Thank you