Conflict or Bullying.. What is the Difference?

Conflict vs. Bullying

Conflict is a natural and healthy part of development. It may be defined as a struggle or contest between people with opposing needs, ideas, beliefs, values, or goals. Sometimes conflict can be uncomfortable, but it should not feel unsafe or aggressive. Junior High can be the age at which the most conflict resolution is learned as peer relationships become more important than they ever were before in younger years. As a school, we can support students through peer conflicts with mediation, coaching, and healthy boundary settings. Learning to manage conflict well is critical to developing healthy personal and professional relationships in a child’s future.

 

Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional, repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Long-term bullying can negatively impact a child’s mental and/or physical health. Bullying can happen in person and virtually. Parents and schools need to be aware that cyberbullying is becoming increasingly more common, and all use of social media and other technology should be well supervised at this age to help protect kids from causing or being affected by this type of harm. Schools can prevent bullying with awareness, supervision, and an effective reporting system. 

 

Please make sure to talk to a trusted adult to report bullying or discuss how to handle conflicts with your peers. Click on the "how to contact your counselor" to connect with a DWJH counselor, or use this link to submit an Anonymous Alert .