These are video images that may shock you. Young teenage girls physically bullying each other. It's a trend that seems to have picked up speed in schools across the country.
"We're seeing higher levels of violence. We're seeing more use of weapons. And where physical violence was almost always a boy thing, we're now seeing more younger girls getting involved," says child psychologist Dr. Rudy Nydegger.
And it's not just physical. According to child psychologist Dr. Rudy Nydegger, girl bullies also play on emotional strings. Spreading rumors, name calling and taunting...Not just in person but now, from behind a keyboard.
"Using either email, messaging or texting to do this now gives kids a whole new set of weapons they've never had before," says Nydegger.
Weapons that can hurt just as much as a slap or a punch and last even longer.
"It can be something bad about somebody that didn't even happen so they can get a reputation," says 12-year-old Gabrielle Esposito.
12-year-old Gabrielle Esposito says some of her friends have been bullied. It hasn't happened to her but, if ever in that situation, she'd know what to do. She takes classes at Capital Northeast Martial Arts. Her father Bob Esposito is her instructor.
"If it comes down to a point where a child has to defend themself, we would rather they defend themself then get beat upon," Esposito says.
But Esposito says, non violence is always the primary message at his studio...One he stresses at anti-bullying seminars held throughout the year.
Students are taught 'It's all about attitude.' Some tips they take home:
- Act and look confident
- Stay calm
- Use humor to deflect comments
- If behavior escalates, firmly ask bully to stop
- Walk away
- Always tell an adult
And parents, make sure your child knows its OK to talk to you about bullying. Dr. Nydegger says if you find out there's a problem, don't just sit back and wait for it to solve itself. These days, it's too risky.
"Love them, hug them, let them know we're here behind you. And this is not appropriate. This is not kids will be kids and we're going to do something about it," Nydegger says.
For parents at Capital Northeast Martial Arts, sitting in on an anti-bullying seminar is the first step.
"I have nightmares all the time about things like that. Not just bullying. All kinds of bad things can happen to your kids," says parent Warren Redlich. "You just have to give them the tools to deal with what happens and do the best you can."
The next anti-bullying seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18th at 6pm. For more information visit http://www.capitalnemartialarts.com/. http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/youthviolence/index.ht
For more information on youth violence, visit the Center For Disease Control's website at
http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/youthviolence/index.ht
