Neighbor’s children left alone at home are being bullied by classmates, while their parents are working outside and are afraid to speak to the teachers for fear that the bullying will worsen. What should be done in this situation? A video of a young Chinese teenager being surrounded and beaten by other Chinese teenagers on the internet has sparked widespread concern in the Brooklyn Chinese community.
In response to this, community advocate Ling Fei summarized several forms of teenage bullying at a meeting, including physical violence, verbal insults, and social exclusion.
Physical bullying, such as the recent incident, involves several underage teenagers using violence against another child. Verbal bullying is teasing, belittling, or mocking others at school, which is especially common among new students, particularly new immigrant students. Relational bullying involves intentionally excluding someone, forming cliques, and such behavior can lead to more serious gang-related issues, pushing students down the wrong path.
These issues are particularly prevalent among new immigrants and new students who may face challenges in adapting to a new environment, making them more vulnerable to bullying. For instance, some children may struggle academically due to language barriers or cultural differences, or feel socially isolated, factors that could make them targets of bullying.
Ling Fei pointed out that parents should closely monitor changes in their children, such as physical injuries, loss of belongings, changes in emotions, or becoming more reserved, as these could be signs of bullying. Parents should immediately pay attention and inquire with their children and the school.
He noted that the biggest problem currently is “no parents willing to come forward to report the incidents, as parents fear that bullies may target their children again.” He believes that a common issue in the Chinese community is “fear of making a scene. The more you fear, the more issues arise, but if you don’t fear and stand up, you will receive more help, and thus, problems can be solved.”
He urged everyone to change their mindset and not to fear challenges. Not knowing English should not be an obstacle for parents in seeking help for their children. Parents should bravely step forward to seek help and support for their children. “Our community resources are abundant, and we should boldly utilize them to protect our children, ensuring that their youth is not ruined by violence.”