Bullying occurs when a child is hit, teased or harassed by another child. If your child has been a victim of bullies, he may suffer short-term and long-term consequences. Bullied children may have fears about going to school, difficulty with schoolwork, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you feel that you are unable to give your child a secure feeling once again, speak to a counselor for advice on how to help him adjust.
Step 1
Tell him how to respond to bullies. If he knows how to handle bullies, he may feel more secure around peers. It is important to tell him not to tease or hit back. He should simply tell the bully to leave him alone and walk away from the situation.
Step 2
Encourage him to get help from another adult. A parent may not always be around to protect a child if bullying occurs from a peer. Let him know that a teacher or another responsible adult will help him if he is bullied. Contact the school to alert the principal of any bullying that's taking place.
Step 3
Give him a self-esteem boost. After bullying has occurred, his self-esteem may be low. To help him regain his confidence around peers, encourage him to participate in an activity that he enjoys. Some examples include sports, art, dance and music.
Step 4
Listen to him. The Kids Health website from the Nemours Foundation suggests that allowing him to talk openly to you and letting him know his feelings are OK can help him deal with bullying. Never tell him to "tough it out" or that the teasing is "no big deal."
Step 5
Advise him to use a buddy system if he is still fearful of bullies. Security around peers is often gained by keeping a good friend close by. Tell him to stick to friends in places where he comes across the bully.
