{"id":806,"date":"2010-10-15T13:38:44","date_gmt":"2010-10-15T13:38:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=806"},"modified":"2025-08-07T06:13:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T10:13:12","slug":"dont-believe-sports-kids-are-bullied-learn-about-cnn-poll","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/dont-believe-sports-kids-are-bullied-learn-about-cnn-poll\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Believe Sports Kids Are Bullied Too? Learn About CNN Poll"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/how-parents-expectations-hurt-athletes-confidence.jpg\" alt=\"Youth Sports Psychology\" class=\"wp-image-3644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/how-parents-expectations-hurt-athletes-confidence.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/how-parents-expectations-hurt-athletes-confidence-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bullying_Epidemic_in_Youth_Sports\"><\/span>The Bullying Epidemic in Youth Sports<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/dont-believe-sports-kids-are-bullied-learn-about-cnn-poll\/#The_Bullying_Epidemic_in_Youth_Sports\" >The Bullying Epidemic in Youth Sports<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/dont-believe-sports-kids-are-bullied-learn-about-cnn-poll\/#Negative_Impact_of_Bullying\" >Negative Impact of Bullying<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/dont-believe-sports-kids-are-bullied-learn-about-cnn-poll\/#Related_Articles_on_Kids_Mental_Game\" >Related Articles on Kids&#8217; Mental Game:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/dont-believe-sports-kids-are-bullied-learn-about-cnn-poll\/#Improve_Your_Mental_Game_From_Anywhere_In_The_World\" >Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Last week, CNN released a CNN\/Opinion Research Corporation poll showing that slightly more than a third of teens personally have been subjected to<strong> bullying<\/strong> behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the poll, more than two-thirds of teens said their friends had been bullied. Yet most adults believe bullying is a minor problem or not a problem at all, the poll found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The poll defined bullying as ridiculing, humiliating or verbally or physically threatening another child, either in person or online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bullying<\/strong> is an epidemic in sports, just as it is in schools and other places. The many <strong>sports parents<\/strong> who have written us about bullying say their young athletes are teased, harassed and threatened by bullies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bullies will also exclude <strong>young athletes<\/strong> from social groups or try to intimidate them into quitting sports. But that\u2019s not all. Young athletes must also deal with \u201c<strong>bully coaches<\/strong>,\u201d coaches who threaten, yell and intimidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Negative_Impact_of_Bullying\"><\/span>Negative Impact of Bullying<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Athletes who are subjected to bullying will often feel angry or frustrated, lose <strong>focus<\/strong>, play or perform tentatively, feel anxious, drop out of tournaments or competitions, or quit sports altogether. What\u2019s more, they\u2019re reluctant to tell their parents they\u2019ve been bullied because they\u2019re embarrassed or feel shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>But here\u2019s the good news:<\/strong> You can help your young athletes learn how to stay <strong>mentally tough<\/strong> in the face of bullies\u2014and learn critical skills that will help them deal with these kids in all areas of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;First, Parents should be on the lookout for a drop in the child\u2019s <strong>self esteem<\/strong>,\u201d<\/em> Paul Pickhardt,, Ph.D., the author of \u201cWhy Good Kids Act Cruel,\u201d told us in an interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cBullied kids think there is something the matter with them. This deflates them and creates a lack of social safety,\u201d<\/em> he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You also need to encourage open <strong>communication<\/strong> and be on the lookout for bullies in sports.<br>If you\u2019re at all worried that your child is now the target of bullies, or may in the future be a target (which is very likely), you can begin teaching your young athlete right now how to stay <strong>confident<\/strong> in the fact of bullies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a critical tool is using <strong>sports psychology<\/strong> techniques to help kids stay <strong>focused<\/strong> and avoid getting distracted by bullies. Often, kids can\u2019t get bullies \u201cout of their heads,\u201d parents tell us. If kids can get immersed in the <strong>process<\/strong> of playing sports, they won\u2019t let the bully get into their heads and hurt them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also use our <strong>sports psychology tips<\/strong> to help kids stop making comparisons to others\u2014especially bullies. When kids stop comparing themselves to others, they aren\u2019t as susceptible to being hurt or targeted by bullies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"related-articles-on-hockey-mental-game\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles_on_Kids_Mental_Game\"><\/span>Related Articles on Kids&#8217; Mental Game:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/when-sports-kids-are-bullied-by-coaches\/\"><strong>When Sports Kids Are Bullied By Coaches<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-should-parents-react-when-they-see-a-player-bullied\/\"><strong>How Should Parents React When They See a Player Bullied?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/sports-parents-you-can-help-your-athletes-if-they-are-bullied\/\"><strong>Sports Parents: You Can Help Your Athletes if They Are Bullied<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-f49818fa-7c7a-4ee3-b5ee-66581aad2c71\">*Subscribe to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/sports-psychology-podcast-by-peaksports-com\/id152566009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on iTunes<br>*Subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ynyaalKxbnNmsoeL8gF5X?si=8224669de9b3435b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a> on Spotify<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improve_Your_Mental_Game_From_Anywhere_In_The_World\"><\/span><strong>Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/mental-training-for-young-athletes.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6868\" style=\"width:138px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re certain that, as a parent,&nbsp;you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life.&nbsp;And as a sports parent, you\u2019d love for your children to reach their potential in sports.&nbsp;But encouraging your child to <strong>strive for greatness without pressuring them<\/strong> can be a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get expert mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or phone call. With today\u2019s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.<\/strong><br><strong>Find Out How Your Athlete Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Bullying Epidemic in Youth Sports Last week, CNN released a CNN\/Opinion Research Corporation poll showing that slightly more than a third of teens personally have been subjected to bullying behavior. In the poll, more than two-thirds of teens said their friends had been bullied. Yet most adults believe bullying &#8230; <a title=\"Don\u2019t Believe Sports Kids Are Bullied Too? Learn About CNN Poll\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/dont-believe-sports-kids-are-bullied-learn-about-cnn-poll\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Don\u2019t Believe Sports Kids Are Bullied Too? Learn About CNN Poll\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3643,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,180,5,9,17,6],"tags":[178,64,53,179,117],"class_list":["post-806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-abusive-coaches-youth-sports","category-bullying-in-sports-kids-in-sports","category-kids-in-sports","category-sports-dropouts","category-sports-parenting","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-bullying-in-kids-sports","tag-confidence","tag-focus","tag-mental-game-coach","tag-youth-sports-psychology","resize-featured-image"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=806"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/806\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3643"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}