Disability bullying facts for kids

Disability bullying is a type of bullying that happens to people because they have a disability. It's when someone repeatedly picks on, hurts, or excludes a person who has a disability. This kind of bullying often happens because there's a difference in power, like when a group picks on one person, or when someone uses their physical or social strength to make another person feel bad. Studies show that people with disabilities are bullied more often than people without disabilities.

Understanding Bullying

Bullying is when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose and repeatedly. It's not just a one-time thing. Bullying can be physical, like hitting or pushing. It can also be verbal, like calling names or making fun of someone. Sometimes, bullying is social, like leaving someone out of a group or spreading rumors. Cyberbullying happens online, using phones or computers to send mean messages.

What Makes Bullying Happen?

Bullying often happens because there is an imbalance of power. This means one person or group is stronger or more popular than another. The person doing the bullying might want to feel powerful or important. They might also be copying what they see others do, or they might not understand how their actions affect others.

What is a Disability?

A disability is a condition that can make it harder for a person to do certain things. This could be moving around, learning, seeing, hearing, or understanding things. Disabilities can be different for everyone. Some people are born with a disability, while others get one later in life.

Types of Disabilities

There are many different types of disabilities.

• Physical disabilities affect how a person moves. For example, someone might use a wheelchair or crutches.
• Learning disabilities affect how a person learns. This might make reading or math harder.
• Sensory disabilities affect senses like sight or hearing. A person might be blind or deaf.
• Developmental disabilities can affect how a person thinks, learns, and interacts with others.

Why Disability Bullying Occurs

Disability bullying happens for many reasons. Sometimes, people don't understand disabilities. They might be afraid of what they don't know. Others might think that people with disabilities are "different" in a bad way. This can lead to teasing, exclusion, or even physical harm.

Misunderstanding and Fear

Some bullies might not understand what a disability is. They might see someone who looks or acts differently and react with fear or confusion. This can lead to them making fun of or avoiding the person.

Lack of Empathy

Empathy means being able to understand and share the feelings of another person. Bullies often lack empathy. They might not realize how much their words or actions hurt someone with a disability.

Social Power and Exclusion

Sometimes, groups of people might pick on someone with a disability to feel more powerful or to fit in with their friends. They might exclude the person from games or activities, making them feel lonely and isolated.

Effects of Disability Bullying

Being bullied can have serious effects on anyone, but especially on young people with disabilities. It can make them feel sad, scared, or angry.

Emotional and Mental Health

People who are bullied because of their disability might feel very lonely or depressed. They might worry a lot or have trouble sleeping. These feelings can make it hard to focus in school or enjoy hobbies.

Social and Academic Impact

Bullying can make it hard for young people to make friends. They might avoid school or social events to escape the bullying. This can affect their learning and their ability to participate in activities they enjoy.

What Can Be Done About It?

It's important for everyone to know how to stop disability bullying.

For Those Being Bullied

• Tell a trusted adult: Talk to a parent, teacher, counselor, or another adult you trust. They can help you figure out what to do.
• Don't blame yourself: Remember that bullying is never your fault.
• Stay safe: Try to avoid places where bullying happens.

For Bystanders (Witnesses)

• Speak up: If it's safe, tell the bully to stop.
• Get help: If you can't stop it yourself, tell an adult.
• Be a friend: Support the person being bullied. Include them in your activities.

For Schools and Communities

• Educate everyone: Teach students about different disabilities and the importance of kindness and respect.
• Create safe spaces: Make sure schools and communities are places where everyone feels safe and included.
• Have clear rules: Schools should have strong rules against bullying and make sure they are followed.

By working together, we can create a world where everyone, including people with disabilities, feels safe, respected, and valued.

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• Ableism