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Bullying and Homeschooling

Bullying has become and epidemic in our world today.

With 1 out of every 5 high school students being bullied, it’s no wonder people who are looking for an escape turn to homeschooling.
A growing number of homeschool families report making the switch from public school to homeschool due to the rising problem. But does being homeschooled guarantee you won’t be bullied? Not at all.

You will still interact with kids, whether face-to-face or on social media. There will still be public school kids at family and church gatherings. You’ll feel left out as your public school friends move on without you in their circle. Yet, many families are willing to make the switch, knowing it probably won’t eliminate the problem completely.

While it does still exist, bullying and homeschooling looks much different than bullying in public school. The extent of the bullying is much less and it’s easier to remove yourself from any situation which arises. But what is it exactly that homeschool families do differently that makes the bullying so much less frequent than public schools?

THIS MAKES SENSE! Bullying and homeschooling are both on the rise. Now I get it!

Why are homeschoolers less likely to be a bully?

  1. More Parent Involvement:

    Kids can be cruel but they are usually pretty civil in front of adults. In public schools, bullying generally takes place in bathrooms, hallways, on the bus or during lunch. Rarely are kids bullied in front of the teacher. Homeschool families don’t have these opportunities multiple times a day to bully each other. Likewise, homeschool parents are generally more hands-on and know more details about where and what their children are doing. This makes it easier to recognize bullying, whether your child is on the giving or receiving end of it. The quality time homeschool families spend together makes them feel safe enough to talk to their parents about any situation which makes them uncomfortable. Parents can quickly and easily nip bullying in the bud, as soon as it’s recognized.

  2. Less Examples of Bullying:

    Public school children see mean, tough and rough kids who pick on others because of how they look, how much money they have or other silly reasons. Homeschool families are not as apt to be introduced to these behaviors, making them less likely to bully. Once children grow accustom to seeing people being picked on, they tend to become desensitized to it, making it seem almost “normal.” THIS MAKES SENSE! Bullying and homeschooling are both on the rise. Now I get it!

  3. Less Interaction:

    When homeschoolers get to hang out with other kids, they tend to make it as enjoyable as possible. Rarely do our homeschool meet-ups end in bickering or hateful attitudes. Our kids know they will see their friends again in a few days but they tend to make the best of the time they have together. Enjoying each others’ company is more enticing than being mean and making others feel badly.

  4. Parents are the Biggest Influence:

    They say you act the most like the 3 people you spend most of your time with. (If that’s the case, I apologize for being a whiny 3 year old some days!) 😉 Homeschooled kids spend the majority of their time with their parents and siblings.  This results in homeschool kids acting like adults in a lot of ways. Luckily, most homeschool parents realize the importance of shaping our children into confident and caring individuals. Homeschoolers are influenced by parents, who tend to be kinder than most children, yet wise enough to guide them down the right path.

While your child will never be able to avoid bullying 100%, there is no doubt that homeschooling lessens the problem for all involved. Children can be mean and say the most hurtful things to others. We must learn to teach our children the weight of our words and actions. If we want to stop this growing issue, we need to begin on the forefront: in our homes. With a watchful eye and a good example, we can change the world, one bully at a time.

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THIS MAKES SENSE! Bullying and homeschooling are both on the rise. Now I get it!