Combating School Bullying in Singapore: The Role of Empathy and Counselling

School bullying remains a significant concern in Singapore, with many incidents going unreported. Beyond official figures, studies show that bullying can leave long-term scars on both victims and perpetrators. Addressing this issue requires not only proactive steps from parents and schools but also a focus on emotional well-being through counselling and empathy-building strategies. This blog delves into the root causes of bullying, provides actionable counselling tips, and highlights the importance of professional guidance.

Understanding School Bullying
Bullying involves repeated and deliberate harm to someone perceived as weaker. It can be physical, verbal, social, or digital, with cyberbullying on the rise due to smartphones and social media.

Examples include:

1. Name-calling, spreading rumours, and exclusion (common in relational bullying).
2. Posting harmful or false content online (cyberbullying).
3. Physical aggression like hitting or pushing.

Why Does Bullying Happen?
Children bully for various reasons, including insecurity, the desire for social dominance, or learned behaviours from witnessing abuse. Victims often stand out due to physical, social, or behavioural differences, but any child can become a target.

The Role of Counselling in Addressing Bullying

1.For Parents of Bullies
Parents might feel defensive or dismissive when their child is accused of bullying, but addressing the issue early is crucial. Counselling helps parents:

1. Understand the underlying reasons for their child’s behavior, such as emotional insecurity or stress.
2. Teach their child empathy by discussing how bullying harms others.
3. Equip their child with healthier ways to manage emotions like anger or frustration.

Basic Counselling Tips for Parents:

1. Active Listening: Allow your child to share their feelings without judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “What made you feel this way?”
2. Role-Playing: Help your child understand the victim’s perspective by discussing scenarios and alternative behaviors.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Praise small changes in behavior to encourage further improvement.

2. For Parents of Victims
Victims of bullying often feel powerless and isolated. Counselling can help these children regain their confidence and resilience.

1. Encourage open communication by regularly checking in about their social interactions.
2. Build social skills, such as making and maintaining friendships, to reduce social isolation.

Basic Counselling Tips for Parents:

1. Normalize Seeking Help: Reassure your child that reporting bullying is a sign of strength, not weakness.
2. Document Incidents: Keep a record of bullying instances to share with school authorities or counsellors.
3. Teach Coping Strategies: Discuss simple responses to bullying, such as calmly walking away or seeking help from a teacher.

3. For Schools and Communities
Schools can strengthen their anti-bullying programs by integrating counselling services. Counsellors play a vital role in mediating conflicts, supporting victims, and rehabilitating bullies.
Educators and parents can also learn basic counselling techniques, such as empathetic listening and de-escalation strategies, to handle bullying situations more effectively.

Building a Culture of Empathy and Action

Empowering Bystanders
The bystander effect often prevents students from stepping in during bullying incidents. Teaching children to support victims—whether by intervening safely, reporting the incident, or simply offering friendship—can stop bullying in its tracks.

Fostering Empathy
Help children understand how their actions affect others. Activities like group discussions, role-playing, and storytelling can teach compassion and promote positive conflict resolution.

Encouraging Professional Help
In serious cases, professional counselling provides a structured approach to address the deeper emotional challenges faced by bullies and victims. Parents should not hesitate to involve school counsellors or external professionals if the situation warrants it.

Conclusion
Bullying in schools is a complex issue, but it is not insurmountable. By incorporating counselling strategies, fostering empathy, and building strong support networks, parents, teachers, and students can work together to create safer and more inclusive learning environments. Remember, seeking professional guidance is not a last resort—it’s a proactive step towards long-term emotional well-being for all involved.

Let’s unite to stop bullying and nurture a generation that values kindness and respect.