Dr Phil: Pretty, Young and Violent
Wellbuzz update: Part two of this show has aired. Click to read more about the Mean Girls.
Dr Phil focused on mean girls and bullying. Seven teens, both bullies and bullied, moved in to the Dr Phil House together, on the heels of the news that about one in three middle school girls has reported hitting a peer. The Internet has also given bullies a bullhorn to share videos and intimidation.
Dr Phil asked Dr Charles Sophy to help the seven girls selected for this three-day experiment. 16-year-old Tempest was quick to melt down and made sure everyone knew that she was upset, threatening the others with physical violence and refusing to talk to anyone about anything. Dr Phil couldn’t believe that Tempest’s mother made an excuse for her daughter’s bad behavior.
Dr Phil: Ignoring a Child’s Outbursts?
Dr Phil talked with bullies and bullying victims about their past experiences and why their lives have gotten out of control. (Lurin / Shutterstock.com)
When Tempest returned and her housemates confronted her, she got defensive again and explained that she does not trust others. Tempest’s mother told the other moms that she ignores her daughter’s outbursts. The girl has been in more than 20 fights, and Dr Phil thought that a lack of active parenting was to blame.
Later, Dr Phil chatted with all the teens, including 19-year-old Nicole, who makes a point to tell people that they are ugly. She told Dr Phil that he is “older and less attractive.” He pointed out that it is not helpful information if the person can’t do anything about that, and he wondered why she did not think about the impact of her words.
Dr Phil: Acting Out Physically
Katie said she felt trapped in her own home, and said that her mother is scared she will make mistakes again by running with the wrong crowd. Dr Phil pointed out that this is an example of her mother’s love for her. Katie has broken doors, mirrors, and countless other household items.
“If you’re so in pain inside that you’re just thrashing stuff, you must be really miserable,” Dr Phil said. Katie admitted that she does not feel like a good person. “I feel like I’ve turned into a monster now,” she said. Then she recalled a physically violent confrontation with her father in front of her friends, followed by threats and intimidation.
Dr Phil: Are Bullies Insecure?
Later, Tempest called Dr Phil a “know-it-all.” He responded by commenting that she seemed insecure, which set her off once again. “I don’t need to trust anybody,” she said. Tempest remembered growing up as an overweight child and the journey she has been through to change her look.
“I flip out because people don’t listen to me. I flip out because I don’t like what people are saying. It’s not because I do it on purpose,” she said. “Nobody knows what’s best for me, not even me.”
Dr Phil: Victims of Bullying
While Dr Phil and Dr Sophy were working with the young women, their mothers were observing the interactions together from a separate room. There, they shared observations and comments about the goings on. Tempest’s mother admitted that she does not engage her daughter when she becomes combative.
The mothers who brought their teens to participate in this workshop are in a unique position. They have realized what they were doing was not working, and they reached out to get help. Hopefully the experience, as well as the information and resources they and the teens are provided, will help everyone begin a fresh start focused on a more positive outcome.
Dr Phil: Bullying Warning Signs
How can you tell if your child might be a bullying victim? Bullies exhibit aggression on multiple occasions, both verbal and physical. In the digital age, harassment can take place online, often anonymously.
Here are some things to watch out for if you think your child might be a Bullying victim.
- Tries to get out of going to school
- Feels sad, angry, depressed, or withdrawn
- Frequently picked on in front of a group
- Has personal possessions stolen or damaged
- Targeted by rumors and lies
- Often hurt by the same person or group
To get more ideas on how young people can navigate these challenges, read Jay McGraw’s Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies. You can share your thoughts and stories about this subject on social media using #VictimsofBullying. Keep reading to find out what happened in part two.
Madalyn Johnson says
When will part two be viewed? I am anxious to see how you relate to Tempest.
Jeanne Carlson says
When will we see Part 2?
susan evans says
When is the follow up going to be shown?
Pat Howard says
Hopefully the next installment will be shown soon. We’ll share an update once the episode airs.
Rae schneider says
Just wondering when part 2 will air
Debbie says
When will part 2 of this intriguing show air???
Tina says
When is part 2 going to air. I was actually watching this with my kids and they also keep asking.
Pat Howard says
It looks like part two will air on 1/23/15. Be sure to tune in!
Pat Howard says
Part two of this story has now aired. You can read about it here: http://www.wellbuzz.com/dr-phil/dr-phil-mean-girls-lifes-tipping-points-overcoming-bullying/
Dale Williams says
I get so sick of all the mumbo jumbo about bullies having a low self esteem bla bla bla. Most bullies have a very high self esteem and assume they are superior to others. They are also cowards. Catch a bully alone and stand up to them and you will see firsthand they are spineless.