Gifted Children Especially Vulnerable to Effects of Bullying
This morning I came across an article from the Purdue University News Service. The article was titled
"Gifted Children Especially Vulnerable to Effects of Bullying," and it summarized research findings coming from a study by Dr. Jean S. Peterson and Ms. Karen E. Ray at Purdue University.
Quoting from the article:
In what is believed to be the first major study of bullying and gifted students, researchers found that by eighth grade, more than two-thirds of gifted students had been victims.
"All children are affected adversely by bullying, but gifted children differ from other children in significant ways," says Jean Sunde Peterson, an associate professor of educational studies in Purdue's College of Education.
"Many are intense, sensitive, and stressed by their own and others' high expectations, and their ability, interests, and behavior may make them vulnerable. Additionally, social justice issues are very important to them, and they struggle to make sense of cruelty and aggression. Perfectionists may become even more self-critical, trying to avoid mistakes that might draw attention to themselves."
It does strike me that gifted children might find the effects of bullying especially difficult to manage. It is generally accepted that
gifted children often have heightened emotional sensitivities. It makes a lot of sense that, in turn, gifted children respond more strongly to something as unfair and cruel as bullying.
In the article, Dr. Peterson offers some suggestions for parents concerned about this issue. "We found that the vast majority of students who were bullied were silent about it because they thought others would see them as weak or because they believed they wouldn't be taken seriously. That's why it's crucial that adults take an interest in their child's life and pay attention if they mention they're being picked on."
Dr. Peterson explains that if a parent suspects their child is being bullied, the first step is to talk with school officials. "Most bullying probably happens under the radar, and teachers may not be aware of it. It is important that all school personnel agree that bullying can be either or both verbal and physical, and it needs to be addressed in and outside of the classroom whenever it occurs."
The findings of this study will be published in two separate articles scheduled to appear in the Spring 2006 and Summer 2006 issues of
Gifted Child Quarterly.
Resources About Bulling and What to Do About It
I'm not terribly well versed in this subject, and I don't publish any books on the topic. However, I respect the folks over at
Free Spirit Publishing, and they have published several books on this topic. The reviews for their books on this issue are very positive.
Teachers concerned about bullying in their classroom and school may wish to take a look at
The Bully Free Classroom: Over 100 Tips and Strategies for Teachers K-8.
Free Spirit also publishes a book for kids on this subject titled,
Bullies are a Pain in the Brain. This book looks like a really good resource for kids during the elementary years.
Feel free to suggest other resources or insights on this topic using the "Add Comment" button below.