One of the hallmarks of friendship-making is to experience intimacy and betrayal. With this perspective, parents will not be alarmed when they hear that their children experience disappointment, bullying, and betrayal. We can be calm to listen and help our children through this phase of life with resilience.
According to Professor Annis Fung at the City University of Hong Kong, "Hong Kong was ranked the worst in school bullying amongst 72 countries and regions,"
In a 2017 worldwide survey of 540,000 schoolchildren, the Programme for International Students Assessment, The survey found that 32.3 percent of Hong Kong students reported being victims of bullying – three times higher than that of Taiwan and nearly double that of the United States.
What can parents do?
1. Listen with calmness, non-judgemental, and open attitude
2. Empathize and encourage our children to talk to their teachers
3. Monitor, coordinate and provide safety for our children
4. Consult professionals when needed
Reference:
https://www.cityu.edu.hk/class/media_events/magazine/issue9/en/tackling-hongkongs-bullying-and-suicide-crises.html
https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/facts
