Sibling rivalry is common among children, and can even be seen as a natural part of growing up.

Siblings often fight over toys, attention, and other things, however, when this rivalry turns into bullying, it can have serious consequences for the victim and the family as a whole. Unfortunately, many families do not recognize siblings’ bullying and its harmful effects on the victims. In this article, we will explore the issue of sibling bullying, the signs to look for, and what you can do to address it.

What is Sibling Bullying?

Sibling bullying is defined as the repeated use of physical, verbal, or psychological aggression by one sibling toward another. It includes actions such as hitting, name-calling, teasing, excluding, or destroying the victim’s belongings.

It is a form of violence in the family, and can cause long-lasting harm to the victim’s mental health, as well as affect their social and academic life.

The Signs of Sibling Bullying

Since sibling bullying often happens behind closed doors, it can be hard to spot. Parents might dismiss the negative behavior as normal sibling rivalry or attribute it to fighting over a particular thing.

However, it is important to recognize what’s going on behind the scenes before it’s too late. If you notice any of the following signs, it could be a red flag that your child is experiencing sibling bullying:.

The victim seems anxious or depressed.
The victim pulls away from family events or avoids being home.
The victim is reluctant to speak about their sibling.
The victim experienced behavioural changes such as bed-wetting, becoming withdrawn, or changes to eating and sleeping habits
The bully blames the victim for everything.
The bully often gets physical with the victim.
The bully is manipulative and lies to avoid getting caught.
The bully actively tries to embarrass or humiliate the victim.
The bully acts as though they are always in charge.
The bully makes threats that cause the victim to feel scared or unsafe.

The Effects of Sibling Bullying

The harm caused by sibling bullying can have serious consequences for the victim’s mental, social, and academic well-being. It can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and even suicide attempts in extreme cases.

Children who experience sibling bullying may also become less outgoing or have difficulty making friends. They may feel lonely, isolated, and unsupported. In terms of their academic performance, they may struggle to concentrate, experience a drop in grades, or even drop out of school.

What Can Parents Do?

If you suspect that one of your children is falling victim to sibling bullying, it’s essential to take action. Here are some steps you can take:.

Listen to both children separately and objectively to get the full picture of what’s happening.
Acknowledge that these negative behaviors are harmful and unacceptable, and explain to both children that there will be consequences for bullying behaviour
Set clear boundaries and expectations, letting the bully know what behavior is acceptable and appropriate.
Provide support to the victimized child, giving them an opportunity to talk about the situation and heal from any damage.
Encourage communication and empathy among siblings. Teach them to appreciate each other’s differences and respect each other’s boundaries.
Seek professional help if necessary, like a family therapist or social worker, when the situation is out of control.

Conclusion

Sibling rivalry is a natural part of growing up; however, parents should be aware of when it crosses the line into bullying.

Making sure to recognize the signs of sibling bullying could help protect your children and prevent any long-term, negative effects it may cause. Take the necessary time to talk with each child involved and take action if things are not improving.