Sometimes these studies show what we have already observed in other cultures.
Sidama, Ethiopia
Photo by Lori Dorman
Yahoo came out with an article about the new study in the Journal of Child Abuse and Neglect about bullying.
The title of Yahoo’s article was Study: Overprotective Parenting Can Lead to Bullied Children
I found this article to be truthful, yet slightly sensational in approach…but I clicked on it, so ‘mission accomplished,’ Yahoo. And you know what? I’m glad that I did. I actually read the study. You can get it here.
Quick notes from the study:
Overprotective and maladaptive parenting= bad
Communicative and authoritative parenting=good
(I strongly suggest that any time an article comes out regarding a research article…please, please, read the actual study.)
The study was interesting because it showed that children who are bullied and children who bully have parents with a similar style. That means, as parents, it has been proven that we have a significant effect on our children’s social interaction as they grow.
“Both victims and those who both bully and are victims (bully/victims) were more likely to be exposed to negative parenting behavior including abuse and neglect and maladaptive parenting.” –Source
I doubt this is a surprise to anyone.
I also think the Yahoo article has it backwards, in terms of presentation. In our culture we teach that the worst thing that can happen to your child is to be bullied, but that fear empowers that negative experience. Rather, we should look at how we can promote healthy, happy children who would not be considered victims:
photo by Lori Dorman
“Positive parenting behavior including good communication of parents with the child, warm and affectionate relationship, parental involvement and support, and parental supervision were protective against peer victimization.”– Source
Again, is anyone surprised by the study’s conclusions? Healthy raising up of a child promotes independence and familial community.
If the media gave an accurate portrayal of the AP (or similar style) of parenting, they would see that these recommendations are in alignment with AP, but unfortunately that does not bring in traffic…because it’s just not that surprising or interesting.
