Many parents worry about how to protect their child from bullying, given the prevalence of news reports on harassment gone to extremes and online intimidation. But they should perhaps stop to consider that helping their child to become a more tolerant, peace-loving citizen could stave off bullying at its root.
In a study that was led by researchers at the University of Texas, it was found that while more kids are becoming bullies, fewer parents are aware of such behavior.
Additionally, 23 percent of kids reported harassing a peer in 2003, while 35 percent admitted to doing the same in 2007.
Factors that contributed to a child turning their anger on another student included hostility at home, less-than-optimal mental health of a parent or developmental, emotional or behavioral problems with the child.
Study authors said that parents who engage in open discourse with their child may be able to prevent them from becoming a bully. Also, parents should get to know their kids' friends to see who they're associating with.
Since parental attitude appears to be closely connected to their offspring's behavior, many parents might do well to think of themselves as Earth Citizens. Ilchi Lee says that people should think of themselves first as people who are connected to all other people, as citizens of the planet and not those of nation or region.
