Axis Ministries Provides Helpful Resource on Bullying

By: Rebecca Ewing, Writer
July 3, 2023
Bullying has been a problem since the unraveling of the first family in Genesis. The methods that bullies employ have evolved and expanded over the years, however, especially with the advance of technology. Thankfully, one of ACSI’s partners, Axis Ministries, serves to equip and empower children and adults alike to navigate issues such as bullying, and other related issues, with greater confidence. (You can find their resources on bullying here: https://axis.org/resource/bullying/.) 

Axis understands the world as it is and stands ready to face the giants of our day. No one needs to be alone when dealing with this issue, and Axis provides helpful guidance for families whether a child you know is being bullied, is bullying others, or is simply a witness to it and unsure how to proceed.  
 
While the term “bully” gets volleyed around a lot, Roy Moore, an executive director for an anti-bullying nonprofit called Be Strong, makes the distinction between mean or aggressive kids and legitimate bullies. Harassment, imbalance of power, and longevity of the abuse are components that factor into this differentiation. But how do you know if your child is being bullied, or just as disconcerting to any parent, if your child is bullying other children? Do you know how to recognize the signs? What can we do to bring restoration to those on either side of this issue? Axis is here to help. 
 
While the big bully on the playground at school might still exist in some places, he or she is no longer the main culprit. In addition to the physical intimidation of the stereotypical bully of the past, young people now are dealing with social isolation, sexual exploitation, and cyber victimization, just to name a few unfortunate advances in this arena. It can be overt, or extremely covert. A child’s vulnerabilities, mistakes, or even successes can become a target of scorn and ridicule, not just by his peers at his local school, but across his entire community; and, indeed, globally, as the internet makes the whole world an audience!  
 
Further, this exposure doesn’t last for a day or a year, but potentially for a lifetime as cyber posts have no expiration—reasonably impacting even employment and social relationships for decades to come. Cyberbullying.org provides an excellent rundown of cyberbullying and its vast repercussions here for those who want to know more about this latest frontier of bullying. The internet has exploded the unwelcome possibilities, and it’s not just limited to our youngsters. 
 
What’s a child to do? What’s a parent to do? What’s a school to do? 
 

In fact, their article on bullying, which you can find here: https://axis.org/resource/bullying/, outlines all types of bullying, likely solutions, emotional and physical impact, as well as legal implications of reactions to bullying. Need a protective technology contract to utilize with your teen? Check here. Want guidance on how to help your teen set good boundaries with their smartphones? Look here. Meanwhile, Axis’ podcast, https://axis.org/resource/the-one-conversation-podcast/2967-2/ takes you on a more personal journey about the power of words to wound and to heal. We encourage you to look into these excellent resources provided by Axis Ministries for more on bullying and many other challenging subjects children, teens, parents and educators are facing today.