Introduction
Sadly, bullying and being bullied are everyday experiences during childhood. Parents have a significant role to play in a child’s development and the way they behave in social situations. It is believed that parenting approaches can influence a child’s tendency to be bullied or bully others.
Authoritarian vs. Permissive Parenting and Bullying
Authoritarian parenting is a firm and harsh parenting style, where parents assume their children will absolutely always follow any of them. In this style of parenting, there is minimal dialogue between the parent and the child. As a result, children who are raised in an authoritarian environment may have underdeveloped social skills that are needed to negotiate with their peers (Stop Bullying home page, n.d.). This could result in the feeling of powerlessness in social situations and make them a target of bullying.
Conversely, permissive parenting is much more lenient. This parenting approach allows kids to have independence and make decisions for themselves. While this can help children grow more independent and self-confident, they may also become more prone to harassing others because they do not have to face the consequences of their actions.
Development Stages and Bullying
Piaget’s theory of moral development suggests that as children age, they move through distinct phases of growth. During the early stages, children are mainly focused on their own needs and desires. As they get older, they start to understand the concept of right and wrong and the importance of following social rules. Bullying can be seen as a form of defiance against these rules and can be a sign of immaturity in children who are just beginning to develop morally.
Conclusion
The way parents raise their children can incline a child to behave a certain way, pushing them to become either the target of bullying or the bully. Parents need to be aware of the potential consequences of their parenting style and strive to foster healthy communication and emotional support in their children (Stop Bullying Homepage, n.d.). By understanding the link between parenting styles and bullying, we can create a better environment for our children and help them develop into well-rounded individuals.
Reference
Stop bullying home page. (n.d.). Stop bullying. Web.