Is a 4-year-old really capable of being a bully? In this eye-opening session, we’ll unpack the difference between rude, mean, and bullying behavior – and why it matters for how we guide young children. Discover how to recognize intent, teach empathy, and nurture “upstander” skills that empower children to respond with kindness and courage. Perfect for educators and caregivers who want to build emotionally safe, respectful classrooms and communities.
In this video
Amy Williams starts this talk for parents and preschool teachers with preschoolers who call each other bullies, and a 4-year-old you worry might be one. It looks at how rude, mean and bullying differ, and at the moment a child hurts someone. Support for both children has its own part, the one who got hurt and the one who did the hurting. It ends with teaching children to stand up for each other.
Chapters
- 0:00 Welcome and why children start calling each other bullies
- 3:51 Rude or mean: the difference is whether they meant to hurt
- 7:03 The three signs of bullying and what isn't bullying
- 13:18 Connecting at neutral times, naming what you see and gluing
- 20:09 When a child hurts someone: stepping in and recovery time
- 24:52 Keeping your cool, sabotage creep and spatula hands
- 31:41 Supporting the child who got hurt and practicing saying stop
- 35:11 Supporting the child who hurt: empathy and unmet needs
- 39:21 Teaching upstanders and why no child is a bully
