Bullying at School – Help and Advice for Parents
What is Bullying?
Bullying is any unacceptable behavior that hurts another student physically, emotionally, or socially. It can be a one-time incident or repeated over time. There are different forms of bullying, including:
Physical bullying: Hitting, kicking, tripping, pinching, spitting, stealing, or damaging belongings.
Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, insults, threats, and humiliation.
Social bullying: Excluding someone from activities, spreading rumors, or turning friends against them.
Cyberbullying: Using technology to bully someone, such as through text messages, social media, or online gaming.
Why Does Bullying Happen?
There are many reasons why kids bully others. Some common reasons include:
Personal problems at home: Kids who are struggling with issues like divorce, death in the family, or abuse may act out by bullying others.
Need for power or control: Bullies may pick on others to feel stronger or more important.
Jealousy: Bullies may target someone they admire or envy.
Lack of social skills: Some bullies may not know how to interact with others in a positive way.
Communication and Support:
Encourage your child to talk: Let them know you’re there to listen and help, even if it’s difficult for them to open up.
Active listening: Pay close attention and show empathy without judgment.
Finding a Solution:
Don’t leave it to the child alone: While encouraging self-defense skills can be helpful in the long run, addressing the bullying directly is crucial.
Avoid extremes: Don’t keep your child home from school, but also don’t simply tell them to « tough it out. »
School involvement: Discuss the situation with your child and decide together if involving the school is the best course of action. Consider factors like severity, your child’s comfort level, and the school’s anti-bullying policy.
Working with the School:
Accurate information: If you decide to involve the school, provide as many details as possible about the bullying incidents.
Benefits for all: Remember, addressing bullying helps create a safer environment for all students.
Follow-up: Ensure the school understands the situation and has a plan to address it according to their anti-bullying policy.
Additional Tips:
Document everything: Keep a record of dates, times, and details of bullying incidents.
Consider outside help: If the school isn’t responsive, explore options like the school board or legal authorities.
Seek resources: Many resources are available online and through organizations like the National Bullying Prevention Center.
Additional Resources
This article provides a brief overview. There are many resources available to help parents deal with bullying. The article mentions a downloadable guide for parents with more detailed steps. You can also find resources online and through organizations like the National Bullying Prevention Center.
Remember, you are not alone. There are many people who can help you keep your child safe from bullying.
