Basic HTML Version
bullying 101
54
maskmatters.org
SPRING
2011
W
hile there are many forms of bullying, the
type that directly attacks a child’s weight is
proven to have harmful, even life-threatening
effects that can manifest into eating disorders—such as
bulimia and anorexia—as they get older.
According to Dr. Dena Cabrera, psychologist and
director of educational outreach at Remuda Ranch
Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders, children
who are bullied about their weight, especially in their
preteen years, are highly susceptible to developing
negative self-image and poor body dissatisfaction, which
can last into adulthood.
Bullying about weight, also known as “weightism,”
isn’t uncommon. Remuda Ranch reports that when
children are teased about their weight, they are more
reluctant to exercise or engage in physical activity.
“We know that weight bullying happens to a lot of
children,” says Cabrera. “Bullying can perpetuate the
cycle of lack of exercise as well as using food as a source
of comfort.”
And while no form of bullying should be tolerated,
weightism is something most people—from children to
adults—participate in.
“Weightism is the last form of socially acceptable
prejudice,” Cabrera says. “We
hear so many negative comments
around us and in the media about
people’s sizes and shapes, and it’s
often commented on without any
sensitivity or regard.”
While weightism is usually
associated with children on the
heavier side, it can affect those who
are underweight, as well. Cabrera
says whether someone is taunted
for being larger or a “skinny
Minnie,” both kinds of comments
are “inferring that you’re not OK,
that you don’t fit in.”
Fortunately, there are a number
of things we can do to stop bullying about weight.
Parents play a key role in creating a home environment
that fosters healthful eating and physical activity. The
first, and most important, thing any parent can do is
watch their own words—especially since, Cabrera says,
about 60 percent of weightism originates from family
members, who make their comments in the name of not
wanting a child to become overweight.
“It’s detrimental to their self-esteem and body image,”
says Cabrera, who also suggests adopting a no-tolerance
policy towards hurtful remarks about weight. That means
parents need to watch their comments about their own
bodies and weight, too.
She also suggests “self talk,” or teaching your child
how to build his own self-esteem through positive self-
feedback. That means teaching your son to say things to
himself such as, “That comment doesn’t mean anything”
when someone puts him down or teaching your daughter
to tell herself, “I like my new shoes” when her trendy
sneakers get a negative reaction from a classmate.
“I think we need to build kids’ resiliency and self-
worth,” Cabrera says. “Teach them how to bounce back.”
HEALING BEGINS AT HOME//
IF YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO WEIGHTISM, CABRERA OFFERS THESE
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS TO PARENTS:
■
Recognize the signs of bullying
about weight
■
Create a healthy home
environment
■
Take a “zero tolerance” stand in
the home with family members
■
Teach social and assertive skills
■
Build resilience and self-esteem
■
Get support from teachers,
school administrators and
counselors
■
Get support from the law
Eating
Their
Words
Story //
Gremlyn Bradley-Waddell
✪
{
DID YOU KNOW?
}
Bullying often occurs when there is little or no supervision around.