News Article: Less Time with Dad May Increase Bullying Behavior in Children

Children who feel their fathers work too much and do not spend enough time with them are more likely to exhibit bullying behavior, according to research by Vanderbilt University sociologist, Andre Christie-Mizell. The study primarily investigated the relationship between children’s perceptions of time spent with their parents and bullying behavior.

Perceptions of time spent with fathers in particular were found to have the most significant impact on bullying behavior. The findings surprised Christie-Mizell, who hypothesized that mothers’ working hours would have the greatest impact on the degree of bullying exhibited by children.

“The findings about fathers and mothers are important because it turns what most of us think is conventional wisdom – that mothers have the most influence on children – on its ear,” Christie-Mizell said. “What this research shows is that while it’s equally important for kids to spend time with both parents, fathers need to make an extra effort.”

Bullying behavior was measured using a scale called the Behavioral Problem Index (BPI) designed to evaluate childhood behavioral syndromes. The measurements were based on factors such as cruelty to others, disobedience at school, hanging around troublemaking kids, strong tempers, and lack of remorse for misbehavior.

Mothers’ work hours actually showed little to no impact on bullying. Christie-Mizell believes this is because children view their mothers as being more easily accessible. Bullying behavior was notably increased, however, in children who perceived their fathers did not spend enough time with them.

Christie-Mizell suggests fathers designate times for parent-child interaction to optimize children’s perceptions of time spent. For example, he says, make sure a child knows every Saturday morning he or she can expect to have breakfast with or play ball with their dad.

“Children need to know they have this scheduled time and it’s important for fathers to try and keep to the schedule as much as possible,” he said. “If fathers have to miss, then it’s also important that they explain to the child why they have to miss their scheduled time and how what they are doing instead affects their family.”