Name calling often
occurs in jokes. Kids and adults alike may tease one another by making
up silly nicknames for each other or call each other names almost out of
friendship or affection. However, name calling can quickly get taken
too far and be pushed into the bullying category. When name calling is
meant with malicious intent, it is always considered bullying.
Name calling erodes a victim’s sense of self
Over
time, name-calling and other insults can slowly eat away at self-esteem
and the victim will no longer see herself realistically. For instance,
if a girl is regularly called “fat,” she may view herself as overweight
even after she loses weight. This type of distorted body image is often
the beginning stage of an eating disorder.
Name calling causes kids to compromise their beliefs and values
When
kids are insulted for having certain beliefs or values, this
name-calling may cause them to bow to peer pressure and compromise those
beliefs in order to escape the bullying.
For
instance, a teen that is called a “goody-goody” may try to shake this
image by doing things that go against her belief system and values to
prove she is not always a “goody-goody.”
Name calling affects their sense of well-being
Name-calling causes noticeable changes in personality and behavior of those impacted.
For
instance, your teen may be more tearful, hostile or withdrawn. She also
may invent excuses to avoid school and lose interest in outside
activities.
Name calling impacts a person’s identity
When
a bully calls another person a name, they are attempting to control how
others see the person. For instance, a bully may call someone “stupid.”
This name-calling is usually done in front of others and is meant to
encourage others to view the person as “stupid” as well. If the
name-calling is repeated, over time others, including the target, may
begin to associate the word “stupid” with that person. And eventually,
that hurtful label can become part of who that person is.
Name calling opens the door to violence
In
severe cases, bullies who call others names often will act on their
anger and lash out in a physical way. In fact, many hate crimes begin
with name-calling. Never ignore name-calling. Instead, if your child is
being called names at school, bring it to the attention of the teacher
or the principal.
Name calling encourages internal criticism
Name-calling
often leads targets to take on the names as reality. As a result, they
begin to criticize themselves instead. For instance, if a person is a
called a “loser,” their internal voice will learn to call them a loser
as well when they make mistakes. The problem is that this inner voice is
hard to switch off and it’s not very objective.
Name calling impacts mood
It’s
important to remember that sudden changes in mood can sometimes signal
that bullying is taking place. Never ignore a child’s changes in mood or
write them off as hormones until you have determined why your child is
appearing sullen, angry or distant. Changes in behavior, sleeping habits
and moods should always be considered the first warning signs that
something is wrong.
Name calling affects mental health
Name-calling can have serious consequences on mental health.
In fact, researchers feel it is one of the most damaging forms of
bullying. For instance, some victims become so depressed from the
name-calling that they begin to feel worthless, helpless and out of
control. Some victims may even contemplate suicide.
Name calling affects physical health
Often,
when kids are called names their physical health will be compromised.
In addition to having trouble eating or sleeping, they also may complain
of an upset stomach and headaches. Additionally, some victims may
develop Post traumatic stress disorder, ulcers or other stress-related
conditions.
Symptoms of name calling and bullying:
If you believe your teen or child might be a victim of name calling or bullying, watch out for these signs:
- Comes home with unexplained injuries or with damaged or missing clothing or other belongings
- Has change in eating habits
- Makes excuses not to go to school
- Has fewer friends
- Feels helpless
- Talks about suicide
- Acts out of character
- Avoids certain places or playing outside alone
- Feels like they are not good enough
- Has trouble sleeping
- Blames themselves for their problems
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