ADHD & Bullying
Children with ADHD are more likely to be bullied by others or to be a bully themselves than children without ADHD. A Stockholm study in 2008 found children with ADHD symptoms were four times as likely to bully others, and almost 10 times more likely to have been bullied before symptoms began.
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Bullying Behavior
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Bullying may include physical behavior, such as hitting, tripping or pushing, verbal behavior, such as name-calling or teasing, or social bullying, when children exclude others from activities. Bullying causes physical and emotional damage.
Significance
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Children with ADHD may be more likely to bully others due to heightened frustration and impulsivity. They sometimes fall behind academically or disrupt class, which can cause feelings of isolation. They may be bullied for these behaviors, or learn to bully themselves as a coping mechanism.
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How Parents Can Help
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Listen to what your child says is happening and talk about it honestly. Ask questions about the details and let them know you're there to help. Make a plan with your child's teachers or school administrators for dealing with the problem.
Advising Your Child
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Teach your child how to be assertive without resorting to bullying behavior or fear. Explain that children bully others because of their own issues with anger and self-esteem. Help your child understand reacting emotionally to a bully is unproductive and gives them what they want.
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References
- Photo Credit child image by saied shahinkiya from Fotolia.com
