When Your Child is Being Bullied. What do you do? One in every three children is involved in bullying as a perpetrator, victim, or both. Those that are not directly involved often witness others being bullied on a regular basis. Bullying happens to all races, genders, grades, and socio-economic sectors.

Research shows that approximately half of all children bullied never talk to their parents about it. This can be due to fear of retaliation, shame, or the belief that no one will be able to do anything about it. It is important to develop a relationship with your child so they feel safe telling you about their experience with bullying.

Healthy family relationships can help ease the pain and strife a child faces when they are bullied. Children need to feel safe telling their parents or siblings, and need to know that parents, teachers, coaches, and other individuals in authority will help them.

When Your Child is Being Bullied consider these suggestions to help eliminate the bullying your child faces.

• Talk with your children about their day.

  Inquire about their fellow students and friends. Gain insight to the inner workings of the classroom.

• Research shows that 67% of bullying happens when adults are not present.

  This can be during recess, lunch, in hallways, and the bus. Volunteering on occasion can give you the insight you need to determine how your child is being treated and treating others.

• Lead by example.

  Children exhibit behavior with which they are familiar, emulating their parents kindness, or on the other hand, their parents’ bullying or aggressive tendencies.

Be aware of the signs a child exhibits when they are the subject of a bully’s aggression.

• Personal belongings are lost and the child can’t explain where they are or how they lost them.
• Common complaints of headaches or stomachaches, especially when children are getting ready for school or school-related activities where they may come in contact with the bully
• Avoidance of recess or school activities, or requesting to go to the nurse/bathroom too often
• Frequent tardiness or requests to get to school very early

Many schools adopt policies that aren’t effective. Discuss the school’s bullying policies, and what educational programs the school participates in to combat bullying.

When Your Child is Being Bullied make it clear to your children that bullying will not be tolerated in your household. Explain that it is not acceptable for them to bully, be bullied, or to stand idly by watching. While children are often afraid to stop a bully, most bullies will stop bullying when they hear other children telling them to stop, especially if they are within earshot of an adult. Give your child the confidence to speak up if they see someone bullying another child.

Lastly, keep in mind that principals, teachers, and coaches are unable to help if they don’t know there’s a problem. Contact your child’s principal, teacher or coach and ask how your child is doing in class/sporting activities. If you suspect your child is being bullied, inform them of your suspicions, and ask them to monitor the situation and report their findings.

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