Are we beating the bullies?

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Are we getting better at beating the bullies?

Chris Cloke from the NSPCC says: Yes. As a society we're more aware of bullying than ever before. We have a greater understanding of the impact it has on the lives of children and young people, and it's therefore taken much more seriously.

Why is it still such a big problem then, are kids too soft?

Chris Cloke says: It's not that children are less resilient, but rather that they have increased pressures in terms of performing well at school. There's also the dramatic impact the media has had, with advertising and pop stars encouraging children to act like adults when they're still far too young. Another problem is the added stress of more family break-ups. In the past there were often relatives living nearby who could lend emotional support. Now parents have to handle it all themselves, trying to juggle hectic work/life schedules.'

Four signs they need to confide

Woman psychologist Linda Blair says you should watch your kids for the following:

Withdrawal. Spending more time alone, for example staying in their bedroom much longer than usual, with the door shut.
Avoidance of eye contact. Was it common for them to look you in the eye when speaking to you, and now they don't?
Disturbed sleep. Are they sleeping less than usual, having restless nights or nightmares?
Change in eating patterns. Do they eat a great deal more or less than usual, or choose to eat alone?

- How to get your kids to open up

- Plus: how to spot and stop bullying
- Have your kids been bullied? Have you been a victim? Share your experiences

By goodtoknow

Next: Getting them to open up

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Are we beating the bullies?
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Ben, 6 months

people tend to think bulling stops by the time your a teen but im 13 and there are boys on bus who put their hands on my sholders and call me "baby" don't assume that bulling just stops at one age or another

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beth, about 1 year

hi bullies should be punished badly because i am 13 years old and i am sick of being bullied i have been bulled since i started and i have been to 5 schools now. xbethx

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trace, about 1 year

i think all bullys should b punished severely my niece tried to commit suiside a few days ago she is 14 we could have been planning a funeral now when do they stop.

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