Mentors have a positive impact on the lives of our youth. They provide young people with a friend who is there in a number of ways and can help them make good decisions, be self-sufficient and hold themselves accountable. Mentors give kids someone who cares about them and their future.
DREAM offers team mentoring programs in Omaha, NE. We have seen the benefits of team mentoring; it helps ensure future success, gives youth a reason to stay in school and boosts young people’s individual self-esteem and self-worth. This can especially help a child who is being bullied or bullying others. Below we discuss why bullies treat other kids the way they do, and how positive mentors can help both the bully and bullied.
Why do bullies bully?
Bullying is wrong, no question about it. The bully is typically seen as the bad guy, but the situation is often much more complicated than that. We need to first understand why they are bullying. More often than not, the bully is experiencing stress and trauma in their own life, as well as low self esteem, a difficult home life, low access to education and struggling with family and friend relationships.
Everyone responds differently to negative aspects of life. Some choose to meditate, others seek professional help through therapy and some people find peace in going for a walk or exercising. These are all positive ways to cope. When the one struggling has no access to help, they are more inclined to cope in negative ways, such as bullying or experimenting with drugs and alcohol.
How can mentoring help prevent bullying?
Mentoring at-risk youth can help prevent children from becoming bullies. Talking to a mentor can help a child see their current situation in a different light and come out of it even stronger than before. It’s as simple as giving them someone who cares, helps them set life goals and uplifts their self worth. When they know what role they play in the world, children can begin to figure out how they relate to it and can then better understand and communicate with others.
We cannot forget, however, the impact that bullying has on those being bullied. Victims of bullying undergo psychological and emotional stress, have a hard time fitting in and experience low self esteem. No matter what they’re being picked on for, it causes them to look at themselves negatively. It can be hard for victims to admit to their parents that they’re being bullied. An adult figure in their life who isn’t a parent gives them someone to talk to and who can also help them overcome this obstacle.
Take part in DREAM’s mentoring programs in Omaha, NE
Both bullies and victims need a mentor. If your child is bullying or if you suspect they’re being bullied, it’s important for you to take the time to talk to them about it and seek professional help. Mentors go a long way in helping, but you might want to consider a therapist or psychologist depending on the extent of trauma.
Bullying can be a hard topic to talk about, but with the right interventions, we can help both the bully and victim. If you’re interested in taking part in our mentoring programs in Omaha, NE, reach out to us today!
