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SALT LAKE CITY – Schoolyard bullies may not be the “other kids” that stereotypes depict as more sizeable and disheveled than their classmates.
They could, instead, be the controlling cheerleaders or technical savants sitting at your dinner table.
A child psychologist says that can be tough to admit, but you can tell if your kids say things like:
“I told the kids that they better not come into the locker room when I’m there.”
“They better stay away from my girlfriend.”
“They better do my homework for me.”
Children’s Center Executive Director Douglas Goldsmith said grade school kids can control who gets the tricycle, while teens can intimidate via texting and social media.
Goldsmith instructs parents to keep tabs on their children's communications and tell them to “be kind to the other groups. Don’t be angry or pushing kids around, and not deciding who’s higher on the totem pole.”
He also tells parents to ask their kids why they keep or drop friends, especially as the new school year begins.
Goldsmith says parents have to get past the stereotypes.
“We really have to change our ideas about bullies in today’s world,” he said.
If parents still need help, Goldsmith says their schools can usually provide it.
