Bullying in Preschool Children

Bullying is a behavior that is encountered in many areas, including daycare. A parent doesn’t send a toddler to daycare anticipating that they will encounter a bully. However, it happens more often than we like to admit. In short, bullying is a repeated behavior of intentionally harming or humiliating a person who is weaker, smaller, or younger.

It can come in the form of a verbal, physical, and even mental attack. Bullying that takes place in a daycare setting is not the typical form of bullying. The child will usually display more aggression and a bossy attitude. More often than not, the child will consistently pick on another child who is smaller, weaker, or shy, and who will give in to the request of the bully.

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. – John 15:12, NASB

The basics of bullying

Most of the time the reason behind being a bully is to get what is wanted. Bullying is not a genetic trait. A person becomes a bully through behavior that becomes learned through watching others. As a preschooler, they may not understand how cruel their actions can be nor do they consider the other child’s feelings.

Types of bullying

Although there are a few types of bullying, daycare bullying typically shows up in two ways.

• Verbal bullying ensues when the bully says mean things intended to cause others to laugh at the victim. This can be name-calling or teasing to make them feel bad at the expense of others’ fun.
• Physical bullying is easier to spot because it involves hurting someone or causing damage to their belongings. Daycare incidents often include hitting and kicking to get what they want. It may even be noticed when the bully destroys or takes the victim’s belongings.

Social, workplace, and cyberbullying are three other types of bullying that are common among older children and adults.

Effects of bullying on toddlers

Preschool children who become the victim of bullying carry the effects with them in the years to come. They need love and support in a way that they will know bullying is not okay. Preschool kids may become saddened when they realize they have to go to school. This sets the tone for their attitude toward school and learning.

Even though they are young, preschool children who are victims of bullying may have a hard time making friends in the future and will not know what it means to have healthy friendships.

This can be the result of low self-esteem due to the hurtful words others have said to them or about them. These children could develop a belief system that says nothing can be done to change the way they are being treated.

Helping your bullied preschool child

If you have identified the fact that your preschool child is being bullied, you must listen and talk with your child. This will help you take the proper course of action to protect your child.

• Listen with full attention
• Remain calm
• Help summarize what is going on
• Permit them to feel upset/sad
• Agree that it is not proper behavior
• Praise them for coming forward
• Let them know that you are on their side
• Speak positively and let them know it’s not their fault

Conclusion

Bullying can take place in any setting. Preschool is not exempt from the behaviors of bullies. Take time to talk to your child if you suspect they may be a victim of bullying at preschool. Connecting with a local Christian counselor can help you determine what signs to look for if you feel your child has been bullied. Contact our office to find a counselor today.