Parents, do you know how to identify and address bullying? Read below for a guide that a few staff from our mental health team put together to learn how to recognize the signs and support your child.
How do we identify bullying behavior?
- Repeated (It is a pattern)
- Aggressive/Hurtful
- Between peers
- Unwanted
Types of bullying behavior:
- Physical
- Verbal
- Cyber
- Social]
Prevention tips for parents:
- Teach your children that bullying behavior thrives on attention.
- Reinforce respect for differences between people.
- Ignore it, then tell an adult.
- Teach respectful ways to communicate.
- Talk about bullying behavior you see/notice in media (tv shows, movies) and discuss with your children.
- Check-in regularly with your children. Ask what’s going on in their lives at school, during activities, or in the neighborhood.
If your child is being bullied:
- Listen calmly and without judgment.
- Remind them it’s not their fault.
- Validate feelings, reassure them of their strengths and good qualities.
- Help them problem- solve: what should they do if it happens again? How should they handle it?
If your child is bullying others:
- Listen calmly and without judgment.
- Ask them “what led to this?” (Avoid “why?”)
- Help them problem-solve and identify different choices and behaviors.
- Model how to treat others with kindness and empathy.
