Index Developmental stage Theoretical approach Real world problem A highly controversial topic and a common occurrence in schools is the act of bullying. Bullying can come in all forms and can be very harmful to the victim. Early adolescence is a time when children begin to discover who they are and, in the process, may experience different peer groups, attitudes and habits. In this article I will explore developmental theories and theater perspectives that offer explanations for why early adolescents are susceptible to bullying. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Developmental Stage Early adolescence falls between the ages of 10-14. During these years, the child is more likely to attend middle school and start high school. Physically, children at this stage begin to notice a major change in their bodies, which is described as puberty. During puberty, females begin to grow breasts and begin menstruating, and both sexes experience growth spurts and increased appetite. This is a time when many teens look and feel uncomfortable and may begin to experience hormonal mood swings. Cognitively, children are beginning to develop the ability to think and reason about abstract ideas and can be introduced to advanced academic content. Drastic changes in social-emotional development also occur during this developmental stage. During this period, adolescents begin to develop sexual interest with the opposite sex or the same sex, often become self-conscious about their appearance and attitudes, and begin to challenge authority. Early adolescents are more prone to peer pressure because they worry about "fitting in" with their peers. Theoretical Approach According to Erikson's stage of psychosocial development, early adolescence is a stage where children begin to struggle with identity versus role confusion. This means that this is the time when children begin to have the urge to discover who they are and where they fit in, and to do this they must experience a period of role confusion. During this period of role confusion, adolescents experience mixed feelings about their fitting into society and begin to experiment with different peer groups, attitudes, and actions. This stage is important for teenagers to experience because, after trying many different things, they will eventually develop a sense of identity. Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development explains that for children to mature, they must have adult assistance. The area in which children can perform certain tasks only with assistance is called the Zone of Proximal Development. This can range from simple tasks in childhood, to ideals and political opinions in teenagers. As a result of ZPD, through formal and informal education, adults convey to children how children interpret the world. This may have a connection to bullying if the adults in children's lives inflict certain beliefs that make them think that bullying another person is okay. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom EssayReal World ProblemOn April 20, 2010, a 14-year-old girl with cerebral palsy attempted to jump out of a window at her school after being knocked off her crutches and repeatedly kicked in the forehead by one of her classmates (Green, 2010). It is very common for a student to be bullied if they have.