Once again, we find ourselves facing the harsh reality of the cdevastating consequences of bullying. An innocent life of just 14 years has been abruptly cut short by despair, the result of relentless harassment. Although this tragic event did not take place in Spain, it reminds us that this problem knows no borders. Here we share the link of the heartbreaking news (news).
Each of these losses of life represents a collective failure. It points us in a chilling way to the urgency of addressing a crisis that is affecting our young people on an alarming scale.
Mental health in childhood and adolescence has never been such a crucial issue as it is at present. According to the report on mental health in childhood and adolescence prepared by Save The Children (report), in the last year, we have witnessed a disturbing increase in mental disorders among young people, with 3% of them manifesting suicidal thoughts.
Bullying and cyberbullying, phenomena that proliferate with worrying rapidity in our society, are closely related to this increase in suicidal behavior. Minors who are victims of bullying have more than twice the risk of harboring suicidal ideation and attempting to take their own life than those who have not suffered this ordeal. In the case of cyberbullying, the impact is even greater.
Factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status also play a significant role in this problem. With the advent of adolescence, a marked increase in suicidal thoughts is observed, particularly among girls older than 13 years.
But the battle is not lost. It is essential to pay attention to warning signs, act promptly and seek professional help. when necessary.
In order to give visibility to these cases, we share a story of overcoming: the story of a girl, her family and her fight against bullying. A story told by a professional whose mission is to help parents and children overcome these challenges:
A story of overcoming:
As a psychologist specializing in childhood problems, I have had the honor of helping many families overcome challenges. On this occasion, I want to share the story of a true fighter, a girl who has faced adversity with courage and strength. To preserve your privacy, we will keep your name anonymous.
It all started when the girl's parents began to notice changes in her behavior. Despite the fact that she never expressed anguish or suffering, her parents, thanks to that paternal intuition that defies all logic, suspected that something was wrong. Every day, the girl returned from school with a hidden sadness in her eyes, trying to hide it behind forced smiles. Her usual cheerfulness and vivacity were fading.
Faced with these changes, the parents felt anguished and bewildered. Doubts assailed them: was their intuition correct? Or was it just typical childhood changes, as some friends and acquaintances suggested when sharing their concerns? They decided not to leave these concerns to chance and sought professional advice to clear up their doubts and find a possible solution.
They contacted me through the platform, sharing their observations and concerns. Through our interaction, I was able to reassure them that they had done the right thing by seeking help. The changes they had noticed in their daughter could be indicative of bullying. This diagnosis, while frightening, also provided a clear path forward.
From there, we draw up an action plan together. I advised them on how to talk to their daughter in a sensitive and understanding way so as not to cause her further distress. I offered strategies for creating a trusting environment in which she felt comfortable sharing her experiences and feelings.
With extreme tact and care, the parents approached the conversation. It was a delicate task, but necessary. Guided by the advice, they were able to establish a safe and open environment that allowed their daughter to feel comfortable expressing her fears and concerns.
Gradually, and with a lot of patience, the girl began to open up. He revealed that he had been experiencing bullying at school, a revelation that confirmed his parents' fears, but also validated their intuition. These fears now had a name and, while painful, at least they could be faced.
It was a painful but crucial moment. This act of courage on the part of the girl, to share her experience with her parents, was a very important step, at least now they could be treated with the right help.
Confirmation of the bullying reaffirmed the need for an action plan that the parents and I had discussed. From this point on, we were able to implement the plan more effectively, since we were working with the full truth and not just suspicions.
The first step was to communicate the situation to the school. With my support, the parents organized a meeting with the school staff. The response from the school and the bully's parents was constructive and prompt, a fundamental aspect, since the involvement of these parties is crucial to eradicate the bullying problem.
At the same time, the girl began therapy sessions, where she learned to manage her emotions and develop coping strategies. The combination of these approaches contributed to a positive change. Over the weeks, we saw steady, albeit gradual, progress. The girl's confidence began to grow, replacing the fear and shame that had dominated her before.
The parents have managed to be protagonists of this story and have not only been able to support their daughter but also to process and understand their own feelings. Her feeling of helplessness lessened, replaced by a fierce determination to protect and help her daughter.
To this day, history continues its course. Although full recovery is a long process, the situation has improved remarkably thanks to the involvement of the parents, the school and the family of the bully.
This story is a reminder that we all have a role to play in the fight against bullying. Parents, always in the first line of defense for their children, should listen to their intuition, seek professional help when necessary, and work with schools to ensure the well-being of their children. It must not be forgotten that although the victim is the visible face of bullying, often the bully is the one who really needs help.
It is vital that we do not normalize these situations. Bullying is not simply a "phase" or a "game" that children will eventually outgrow. It is a serious problem that can have long-lasting consequences for both the victim and the harasser.
Schools have a responsibility to create a safe and healthy environment for all students. This involves not only responding to bullying incidents when they occur, but also working to prevent them, through education and creating a culture of respect and empathy.
Ultimately, our goal should be that every child can go to school without fear, confident that they will be heard if they raise concerns and have the support they need to face any difficulties.