If your child is overweight, chances are he or she is a target for bullying. Even though obesity is more common now than ever, children who are seen as "fat," are much more likely to be bullied than normal weight children.
Overweight Children are Key Victims of Bullying
According to a study reported in Obesity a Predictor of Bullying in Early School Years, overweight children were 63% more likely to be bullied than kids of normal weight. And that was true regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or social or academic skills. Sadly, then, being overweight made the children victims whether they were smart, sociable, or well off. Nothing mattered more than their obesity.
The Effects of Bullying
Bullying because of obesity or other reasons, is damaging and its effects may be longlasting:
- Bullying clearly takes a physical and psychological toll. Somatic complaints such as headaches and stomachaches are common, as is a lack of self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
- Bully victims tend to become bullies, too – perhaps as a result of being bullied (or expecting to be) themselves.
- The effect may be lingering. Adults who suffered from bullying are children are more likely to suffer from depression and low self esteem.
Celebrities Who Were Bullied May be a Source of Hope
Children who suffer from bullying may find hope in the examples of famous people who, bullied in childhood, went on to achieve recognition and celebrity:
- Tom Cruise was bullied for being dyslexic. Justin Timberlake was bullied for his appearance and for being a geek "I used to get picked on all the time. I had terrible acne, weird hair. My arms were too long."
- Other celebrities have suffered insults based on their weight per se. At age 15, actress Kate Winslet was nicknamed "blubber," by her tormentors. Chris Colfer, of the show Glee, said he was ridiculed for being homosexual, overweight, and having a brace. Even the famous Lady Gaga said: "I had a very big nose, very curly brown hair and I was overweight. I got made fun of."
How Parents Can Help
What other things can be done to offset he effects of bullying? Here are some suggestions for parents:
- Avoid being part of the problem, that is, don’t make negative comments about a person’s weight. Show by example that people should not be put down for any reason.
- Empathize. If a child is overweight, attempts to address the problem should not be linked to the bullying. Victims of bullying are only too aware of why they are being bullied.
- Focus on positive aspects of your child, such as his or her special talents, reinforcing a sense of worth and providing a wider perspective.
Children who are overweight are far more likely to be bullied than children of normal weight. And obesity leads to bullying even if the child has other positive attributes, such as being smart or sociable. Parents need to be their child’s ally, shoring up their self-esteem to offset the damaging effects of bullying. Pointing out success stories of celebrities who once were victims of bullying, may also give a message of hope.
Related articles:
Bullies and Babies-What's the Connection?
What's the Chance of Becoming a Bully, a Victim, or Both?
Elizabeth Harrington - Poet, Freelance Writer, Marketing Research Professional, Blogger (www.allaboutqualitative.com)
