Braces, Clear Aligners, and Bullying: Oh, my!

October was National Bullying Prevention Month so it’s a great time to talk about why bullies bully, and what you can do as a parent to help support your child and prevent bullying.

The unfortunate reality is that 1 in every 5 students experiences bullying, and it can not only affect your child’s mental health and self-confidence, but the effects often follow them into adulthood too!

Your team at Bolin Orthodontics has put together a comprehensive guide for both parents and children to arm our communities with the facts about bullies.

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Understanding why people bully

The best way to deal with a bully is to start by understanding them. Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) says that bullies are often experiencing abuse or neglect themselves. They feel hopeless and act out in aggression or take on bullying as a learned behavior.

Other reasons that drive people to bully include low self-esteem, peer pressure, or a need for control. In some cases, bullies might be trying to cope with their insecurities by putting others down.

Knowing all these reasons behind why people bully can help parents and teens better understand the heart of the matter and approach bullies with empathy and proactive solutions.

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How to help your child deal with bullies | Tips for parents

Whether your child is facing physical, verbal, or cyberbullying, knowing how to guide your child safely through these complex situations is key. Here are a few helpful tips for parents:

1. Listen and validate their feelings
The first step is to create a safe space where your child can share their experiences without fear of judgment. Listening is important to helping them process what’s happening and letting them know they have your support. Reassure them that it’s not their fault they’re being bullied.

2. Encourage confidence and self-love
Modeling self-love and acceptance at home can go a long way in helping your child feel more secure. Highlight their inner strengths, such as kindness and intelligence, rather than focusing solely on physical appearance.

3. Teach your child to be assertive with bullies
Helping your child develop assertive, non-violent responses to bullying can build up their confidence in dealing with potential bullies too. Encouraging them to respond firmly and without care, or they can walk away from the situation at any time. Your child can win against bullies by taking the fun out of their taunts. Here’s a great video to show your child on how to stop bullies.

4. Consider clear aligner treatment
Teens who are teased about their teeth—whether it's gaps, crookedness, or other issues—can feel self-conscious. Not only can orthodontic treatment help correct orthodontic issues they may be teased for, like overbite or underbite, but it can also help build their confidence!

Although braces are making a comeback, not everyone is comfortable rocking them. If your child is concerned about being bullied because of braces or just isn’t a fan of the idea, Invisalign® or 3M™ Clarity™ aligners treatment can be a great and discreet alternative for teens.

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What are the best ways to stop bullying?

Alright, teens, you’re up! Whether you’re experiencing bullying yourself or have seen others get bullied, you can help stop bullying with these tips:

• Tell a trusted adult. You can report bullying to a teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult at school.
• Be a friend! Bullies are less likely to target those who are surrounded by supportive friends. Even if you don’t know the person being bullied, standing with them can discourage bullies.
• Stay calm. Bullies are looking to hurt your feelings, if you calmly and respectfully respond to their taunts, they don’t get the feeling of power or superiority over you.

For more tips for both parents and children, you can check out the Stop Bullying website.

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The rise of cyberbullying and AI bullying

Cyberbullying is a huge issue in today’s world, affecting more kids than you might think. In fact, 1 in five students between the ages of 12 and 18 have been cyberbullied, and middle schoolers tend to face most of it.

Cyberbullying can happen on social media, messaging apps, and even gaming platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Roblox, and Fortnite. It can involve spreading rumors, making mean comments, or even sending threats, and it’s especially tough because it can happen any time of day, making it hard to escape.

With the rise of AI software, cyberbullying has taken on a new dimension. AI tools are now being used to create fake images, videos, and audio clips, making bullying even more harmful and harder to trace.

As parents, you can help your kids navigate the online world safely by encouraging them to:

• Keep their personal information and profiles private.
• Document and report inappropriate behavior via the apps or platform.
• Block bullies on social media or gaming platforms.
• Take a break from their phone or apps if it’s causing them stress.

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Join the fight in Bullying Prevention this October!

Let’s build a more compassionate future for our children! National Bullying Prevention Month is every month when we take a stand against bullying. By educating yourself and supporting your child, you can help stop bullies and ensure your child feels safe and confident in any environment.

We’re here to help kids and teens rock confident smiles for a lifetime! Not sure if your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment? Book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Bolin, a top orthodontist in Wilton, CT  today!

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