Teen and high school bullying is hardly a new topic. In the past most might have associated bullying as "just for boys" but the unfortunate reality is that this type of abuse is widely happening with females. Female bullies may look a little different. She is probably popular, skinny and seemingly perfect to her peers. She builds herself up by bringing every other girl down. Many schools have enforced anti-bullying acts but it is still happening and this type of abuse permanently scars girls and young women.
Victims live day after day at school where other girls talk about them, laugh at them in front of others, get physical such as knocking them down or shoving as they pass in the halls and name call. Researchers and counselors who have interviewed teen girls who were bullied have found these ladies to have developed ulcers, eating disorders, used drugs, became depressed or even suicidal. Many even required psychological counseling into their adult years.
At what point do you decide to remove your bullied teen from her local school system and move her away somewhere that she can be treated as an equal? What if bullying has lead your daughter to develop a drug and alcohol addiction? Would you consider boarding school?
Hollywood falsely depicts boarding school as being only for those families with a wealth of money who opt to send their child away for an ivy league education. In real life, that is not always the case. Teen bullying has increased the numbers of girls who are attending boarding school in the U.S.
There are a number of boarding schools available throughout the U.S. Take some time to research the ones closest to you but that doesn't always mean it will be the right fit for your child and the treatment she might need. Chrysalis School Montana is one boarding school in the U.S. which is specifically for girls ages 13-18. Other all girl schools for high school ages include The Hockaday School (Texas), Linden Hall (PA), Saint Mary's School (NC) and Emma Willard School (NY). Most importantly research your potential schools and take time to visit them before making a decision. One on one interviews with the schools can really give you and your teen a good feel as to whether a specific school is a good fit and feels like home.
On the flip side, should you discover that your child has been bullying other students she may require mental health services and counseling. Girls who exhibit aggressive and abusive behavior toward their peers may be expressing symptoms related to trauma, personality disorders, bipolar disorder or other issues. Regardless of her role, if your daughter is involved with bullying, she needs help.
Finally, if you fear your child might have been bullied at school, don't assume that this is merely a harmless act or one time occurrence. Remember that bullying can leave lasting scars (both physical and emotional). Contact your child's school immediately.