Common Concerns during the School-Age Period
Bullying
Some school-age children feel unhappy and do not want to go to school because they are bullied or could no longer take the abuse of their peers. School-age bullies are usually those children who have advanced physical size and strength for their age. Bullies could either be male or female who have an aggressive temperament. Children whose parents have prestigious position in the community or those parents who typically resort to physical punishment to their kids also would be a top candidate to become a school-age bully.
School personnel can deal with bullies by doing the following:
- Recreation periods should be closely supervised.
- To stop bullying the school personnel should intervene immediately any situations where peer abuse is noticeable.
- The school and the parents should be involved in dealing with the behavior in cases where bullying does not stop.
- If the bullying behavior is ingrained, therapy may be needed to correct the action.
- Parents should spend time with their kids and discuss about the bullying behavior and intervene when necessary.
Obesity
Many school-age children are obese. Obese children may begin to develop health problems related to body mass index such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and an elevated total cholesterol level. Aside from health risks, these children may develop a poor self-image and may show little motivation for self-improvement. The following are ways of dealing with school-age obesity:
- Parents should limit the time spent by the child doing physical inactivity such as watching television, playing computer and video games, surfing the internet and talking on the phone and encourage an active exercise program for the child.
- Snacking or eating in front of the television should be eliminated.
- Parents should spend time with the child discussing about self-image and the motivation to reduce weight.
Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN
Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.
