I don’t know when a situation is a normal childhood interaction and when it’s bullying. When should I worry? How can I help my child?
Dear Parent,
In today’s context, children often label teasing, disagreements, or quarrels as bullying. However, it is important to understand the distinction between them, as each carries a very different meaning and impact.
Disagreements: When children interact, they naturally have different opinions, which may result in disagreements. This is very normal because no two people think exactly alike. In fact, healthy disagreements encourage critical thinking and allow children to express their viewpoints openly instead of simply agreeing for the sake of agreement. What we need to teach children is how to present their opinions respectfully and, at the same time, how to listen to and value the perspectives of others.
Teasing: Teasing refers to making fun of someone, whether playfully or in a hurtful manner, often through persistent comments or jokes. While light-hearted teasing among friends can sometimes be harmless, it can easily cross the line and become upsetting or damaging. This is why children should be guided to communicate clearly—if they do not like being teased, they must say so directly, so the other person understands their feelings. Equally important, children should be reminded that if they themselves dislike being teased, they should not tease others. Treating others the way we would like to be treated is a principle we emphasize strongly.
Bullying: Bullying is very different from both disagreements and teasing. It is repeated, intentional behaviour by an individual or group, aimed at hurting, intimidating, or exerting power over someone who feels unable to defend themselves. Unlike a one-time disagreement or playful banter, bullying creates a harmful imbalance of power and can seriously damage a child’s social, emotional, and even academic well-being. It requires immediate attention and intervention.
For a more detailed understanding, please click on this link: https://pechsgs.edu.pk/anti-bullying-policy/
As educators and parents, it is our shared responsibility to help children recognize these differences, develop empathy, and build respectful relationships. By doing so, we empower them to stand up for themselves and others in positive, constructive ways.
Saima Shiraz
HM Primary Section
Years 1-5