The Impacts of Bullying on Kids

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At Drama Kids International, we are passionate about the anti-bullying movement, which is evident with our ACT UP! to Stop Bullying initiative. Why are we so determined to help bring an end to bullying? Because we know the impact it has on kids!

Bullying is linked to a multitude of negative outcomes, including impacting a child’s mental health and leading to substance use or even suicide. Not only can bullying impact those who are bullied, but it can impact those who observe it and those who are the bullies.

Children who are bullied can develop depression, low self-esteem and health problems, and perform poorly in school, while those who witness bullying can become fearful, feel powerless to act, and then experience guilt for not acting. Children who bully others can be more likely to go down a less than ideal path, which may include stealing and vandalizing property, getting into fights, drinking or smoking, and performing poorly in school.

We already know that between one in three and one in four students have reported being bullied in a school environment, but up until lately, we did not fully understand how long those actions can impact their mental health. Fortunately, researchers in the UK have found that while the impact of bullying is severe, it isn’t necessarily permanent.

These researchers confirmed that being bullied at a young age can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression but saw that the effects lessened or disappeared over time. That is great news for victims of bullying, but still – knowing that the effects can be so serious when bullying is occurring is even more of a reason to want to prevent bullying altogether!

The seriousness of bullying is something that is well-known throughout the country, and in the United States, 43 states have enacted laws and policies to help protect children from bullying.

Drama Kids International is dedicated to the anti-bully movement and is proud to offer ACT UP! to Stop Bullying workshops at schools throughout the country. These workshops are designed to help students understand the different forms of bullying, learn about the different roles they can play when bullying occurs and help model good behavior!

Would you like to learn more about this initiative or find out how to bring it to your school? We’d love to have the chance to discuss it with you! Reach out to the Drama Kids International location near you today!

Enjoying Valentine’s Day the Drama Kids Way

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Valentine’s Day will be here in just two weeks, and our team at Drama Kids International can’t think of a better valentine to give than one that will help children appreciate and enjoy Feb. 14!

A holiday that can make even adults anxious, Valentine’s Day can, unfortunately, have the same influence on children. But there’s no reason for the holiday to make your kids anxious, and with the tips we’ve gathered, they should be able to embrace the lovey holiday with confidence!

  1. Make the holiday fun. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to surprise your family with heart-shaped pancakes or other sweet treats. You can also get crafty and creative and have your child help create some decorations for the day!
  2. Make the day special for your significant other. Our kids are constantly watching us, and Valentine’s Day is no different. We want to be a fantastic example for them, and that should cover how we treat our significant other, too. Perhaps have your kids sign a card with you or allow them to help pick out a gift that can be given to your significant other.
  3. Remember that school can be tough on V-Day. Do you remember back when you used to sweat bullets hoping that you’d get at least one valentine on Feb. 14? That same anxiety can still be found in children today. While most schools now ensure that the day is inclusive, children can still face fears of rejection from their peers. Be sure to discuss the school day with them, listening and discussing any disappointments they may have experienced.
  4. Embrace the spirit of the holiday. Valentine’s Day is one draped in hearts, candy, flowers and displays of grandeur to prove your feelings for someone. It’s easy to buy into the day, but instead of emphasizing the material aspects of Valentine’s Day, remember to show your child that the holiday is rooted in love. Presents and grand gestures are great, but ultimately, your kids should know that however nice they may be, material items are not required to convey love!

If you ask us, love and confidence are two things that just fit together, and the more comfortable and loved children feel, the more confidence they will have in life! Remember, Drama Kids International has developed programs that are specially tailored to help continue building confidence in children, as well as numerous other vital life skills!