SADAG’s Facebook Friday LIVE online expert Q & A Chat 13 May
Hitting, name calling, hurtful texts /emails or images are all considered as forms of bullying. Bullying causes psychological, emotional and physical stress, the same effects are found when someone is being cyber bullied. It has spiraling effects on both the victim and the perpetrator, which in some instances can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicide & social anxiety, especially when both the bully and victim do not know where to go for help.
“Our typical reaction in response to bullies is to punish the aggressor and rescue the victim, but we also need to remember that a bully is not a horrible child, a bully is a child who is in distress. Children who bully, in many cases have to deal with the remorse of what they’ve done later in life. We have to avoid pathologising the child, but deal with them in kind, compassionate and reparative ways but with firm boundaries” says Psychologist Liane Lurie.
To help individuals deal with bullying and get insight on how to protect yourself against cyberbullying. The South African Depression Anxiety Group (SADAG) will host a FREE online expert Q & A called ‘Facebook Friday’ on 13 May at 1pm and 7pm focusing on Bullying and Cyberbullying. This is a great opportunity for parents & teaches to get expert advice tips and coping tools.
1pm with Psychologist Liane Lurie, practicing Psychologist situated at Akeso in Parktown, Johannesburg. She works with adolescents, adults and families across a broad range of psychological difficulties including: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Loss, Personality Disorders, Bullying, Eating Disorders and Self harm.
The 7pm chat has Psychologist Cindy van Wyk who is a Neuropsychology, Dialectical Behavioral Therapist and Family therapist lecturer at Midrand Graduate Institute for 3rd year BPsych students. She is also a Clinical Psychologist at The Couch private psychology practice based in Sandton.
To Log in to the chat, go to our website www.sadag.org or directly to our Facebook Page: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group. Facebook users that would like to remain anonymous on can send us a private message.
Warning Signs of physical/verbal bullying
- Social withdrawal
- Grades deteriorate
- Fear of going to school or being/seen at work
- Crying to sleep
- Nightmares
- Changes in eating habits
- Refusal to say what’s wrong
- Excuses not to go to school/work
- Unexplainable injuries
Warning signs of Cyberbullying:
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal thoughts
- Social withdrawal
- Unexplainable injuries
- Becomes upset, sad or angry during or after using the Internet or cell phone
- Appears nervous when receiving a text, instant message, or email
- Unwillingness to share information about online activity
- Unexplained anger or depression, especially after going online
If you need further help, call SADAG on 0800 41 42 43
