Encroachment. That’s a football term, right? One team is offside and the referee throws the flag for a five yard penalty. That may be true, but in the world of bullying and relationships, it also has dramatic meaning, with penalties and consequences as well. Here is the definition: to take another’s possessions or rights gradually or stealthily, or to advance beyond proper or former limits.
I have spoken about boundaries and limits before and how young children need to learn how to say, “Stop. Knock it off,” and slowly develop the courage to throw the flag and make the bully aware that they encroached on their space. As kids grow older, they enter into another world that involves boy/girl relationships and where problems with dating often occur. Our children need to learn at an early age that just because they like or are attracted to someone of the opposite/same sex, it doesn’t mean that they like or are attracted to them. A relationship between two parties grows out of a quality friendship first. For anyone to try and shoehorn themselves into a relationship that is unwanted is harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Teach your students now to throw the red flag if they believe someone is trying to encroach on their space.
Bench Notice
An adolescent boy or girl can have a tough time trying to figure themselves out. Doubts about their looks, body type, and academic and physical abilities can start to creep in once they enter middle school. Those who want to fit in but who feel awkward around those of the opposite sex can easily be taken advantage of by their peers. A young girl may share what boy she is interested in only to find the information spread all over the school. A boy may not share the his thoughts about the opposite sex but suffer inwardly because there is a girl that interests him. This can also be a problem in school for those in the LGBT community as they are plagued by thoughts of someone of the same sex, and fear the reaction of his/her classmates.
Adolescent students today need to be guided by adults who understand their situation and don’t see it as just a part of growing up. Recognize relationship issues in school and with your own children and do what you can to have a discussion that focuses more on their character and inward beauty rather than on their looks or abilities.
