Summer Bullying

Does Summer Bring A Break From Bullying For Your Teens?

In the past, students who were bullied at school saw June not only as summer break, but as heralding relief. This relief came because summer break gave bullying targets an escape from their daily tribulations brought on by the incessant harassment of a school bully.

Today, however, a lot of bullying occurs beyond the school grounds in the world of cyberspace; thus, a target of bullying often doesn't get the reprieve of a summer break.  In fact, when the school's hallways are empty for extended breaks, internet use in adolescents dramatically increases.  There are so many summer activities that entice children to put their electronics away; and, encouraging these activities will assist your children in diverting summertime online bullying. Educators, parents, and students are increasingly aware that being constantly connected increases anxiety among adolescents; so, filling your parenting toolbox with ideas for getting your teens to put the electronics away during summer activities is a great way to increase their well-being.

Of course, even with parents exerting some control over their teen's use of the internet when school is out, use is still extremely heavy during the summer months.  Most teens don'tl do their bullying through online electronic games as do their pre-teen aged counterparts.  Teen online bullying is overwhelmingly seen through social media venues 

Today, parents shouldn’t regard summer as a guaranteed bullying-free time. Summer does, however, give parents the unique opportunity to assist their children in building resiliency to help them cope successfully with bullying and cyberbullying. Strong relationships with parents, and other trusted adults, best assists teens in successfully coping with bullying.

Because summertime is "prime time" for family activities and vacations, parents should take advantage of the summer months for relationship building, enjoying time with your teens, and assisting in the formation of positive sibling relationships. Having fun with your adolescents, and bonding with them, will do wonders for increasing their resiliency.

Wishing you a fantastic summer with your teens!

Kristine Kilgour, M.Ed., LPSC
Professional School Counselor
Rockport-Fulton High School
rfhscounselor@gmail.com