Bullying is characterized by aggressive behavior that is intentional and is usually repeated over time. There are different forms of bullying. Physical bullying can include pushing, hitting and punching. Verbal bullying can include taunts, teasing and name-calling. Bullying can also take place over the Internet and telephone. Children may have signs that they are victims of bullying. These signs include arriving at home from school and missing items such as pieces of clothing or books, having unexplained scratches or bruises, and feeling sadness and fear of going to school. There are, however, ways to deal with bullying at school.
Step 1
Be supportive of the child and find out as much as possible about the bullying tactics and the situation. Tell your child to be assertive, not passive, when dealing with a bully. Bullying should not be responded to with violence or aggression, but the situation should not be ignored either.
Step 2
Get in touch with the school principal or with a teacher and state the problem. You may want to meet with them in person. Keep your emotions in check and present as much factual information as possible. Explain your desire to end the bullying and your willingness to work with school officials.
Step 3
Develop a strategy with school officials to deal with the bullying. The school should take the lead in any school actions meant to stop the bullying. Parents and caregivers should be supportive of these actions.
Step 4
Contact other parents of children who are bullied. Oftentimes, there can be information exchanged that some parents do not know.
Step 5
Encourage the children who are being bullied to develop good friendships. Bullies have a more difficult time when confronting a group of people. Children should also be taught to seek an adult when confronted by a bully.
Step 6
Help instill confidence in children by supporting their exploration and development of their talents. Children who have higher levels of self-confidence are less likely to attract the attention of a bully, who typically seeks out the weak.
Step 7
Follow up with school officials to ensure they are taking steps to deal with the problem. Continue keeping the lines of communication with the children open so they can update parents and caregivers on the bullying.
Tips and Warnings
- A child can be helped by practice sessions with a parent or caregiver during which the child can practice responses to bullying tactics.
- Contacting the parents of the bully can often make the situation worse, as parents usually stand up for their own children.
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