Bullying And Adolescent Psychology

The recent epidemic of girl on girl violence and cyber bullying has parents, teachers, psychologists, and society wondering, where has all this come from? Something must be done to reduce or eliminate this behavior of teens in 2010. While most people want to know who is to blame, the more important question is why. Child and adolescent psychologists continue to study the actions of teen girls, including why physical fighting and cyber bullying have become so popular for this age group. Cyber bullying is often used by teen girls who post videos, images or text on the internet with the intent to hurt, torment, humiliate or harass another person. Cyber bullying and teen female fights are happening all over the United States and are not subject
to just one race or creed. This deviant behavior has been closely related to aggression and violence. Research has found that there are many risk factors that increase the likelihood that a teen will engage in this dangerous behavior. Their home environment can be unpleasant, some parents provide little emotional support to their children or use harsh or inconsistent discipline. Poverty, discrimination and exposure to drugs, alcohol, or fire arms could also play a role in teen’s behavior. Individual characteristics contribute as well such as being impulsive, having poor problem solving skills or feeling rejected among peers. Teens may also misinterpret others behaviors as unfriendly when they actually are not. Exposure to media violence like television, movies and video games has also been proven to contribute to hostility in teens. While the study of adolescent psychology is imperative, what is to be done about the parents and adults who let these fights happen?
In one of the most recent altercations, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, two adults stood by watching two young girls violently attacking one another while another juvenile video taped the fight with her cell phone. How are we supposed to teach our children and adolescents right from wrong if the adults that are influencing them aren’t being good role models? Adults must teach children to respect and value each others differences. If teens are taught at a young age to resolve arguments and conflicts without resorting to aggressive behavior there will be less violence. Guardians are not the only adults who influence children, school teachers and religion instructors also play a part in their upbringing. Students are required to take health classes at all ages; health teachers can include behavior and problem solving skills in their curriculum. They can also explain the harsh repercussions of the zero tolerance policy most schools have
now. Teens who bully are often depressed or angry and show sign of destructive behavior.
They thrive on controlling or dominating others and have often been victims of physical abuse or bullying themselves. Psychologists suggest parents of children who are suspected of bullying to take action right away by speaking to the adolescent’s teacher, counselor, doctor or contacting a child psychologist to determine how to stop this harmful behavior. Delaying intervention could lead to serious academic, social, emotional and legal difficulties in the future. Teens who are typically the victim of bullies usually fit the profile of being passive, easily intimidated, smaller or younger and have a hard time defending themselves. Parents are advised to talk to their child and figure out what, when, and where the bullying is going on. Ask the child what has already been done and what has and has not worked. Once again seeking guidance from a physician, school teacher or counselor is vital for the bullying to
end. In recent years, expectations for girls have soared. They are not just being compared to other girls their age but must also measure up to the boys. They continue to have to be nice, pretty, and polite and at the same time are expected to get top grades and become star athletes. Years ago girls were to become mothers, wives and homemakers but now they must hold and compete for careers in addition to being ‘traditional‘. Aggression has become imperative for young girls to advance in today’s society, but violence has not. Without the proper upbringing, this aggression will have a negative result which would otherwise be positive. Adults who play a part in raising young girls must show an interest in their daily activities. Without receiving suitable, positive attention from adults teens will seek attention elsewhere, like from their peers. This will often adversely affect girls. These days, teen girls are projected as being perfect, caring and competitive. They are expected to look, act and be flawless. It is unacceptable for society to make young girls feel this way; they will not triumph in a world that works in this manner. Whether they are the bully or the one being bullied, the teen needs a positive influence to prosper and become productive adults in today’s society.