It’s no surprise that bullying has always been a common issue among children. Some viewed it as no biggie when we were kids, but now experts say it’s a serious issue. It’s difficult to decide how much you should get involved. Getting too involved or not involved enough can lead to trouble.
The goal is to be appropriately involved to ensure your child gets through it successfully. Reacting excessively can lead to additional difficulties in school and miss an opportunity to foster independence in your child.
Bullying can take several forms:
Physical. Physical bullying involves hitting, kicking, pushing, and tripping.
Psychological. The whole point of this bullying is to make the child feel embarrassed in front of everyone.
Verbal. Verbal bullying involves teasing and taunting.
Bullying can have serious repercussions, including violent behavior, low academic performance, drug misuse, and mental health disorders.
If a child is being bullied, there are several signs to look out for. Some signs to watch out for include changes in behavior, torn clothing or bruises, declining school performance, and reluctance to attend school.
Use these steps to empower your child in coping with a bully.
· Get all the details. Parents often struggle to get their kids to open up and share. It’s possible that it will take a while. Make sure your kid knows you’re here to assist.
· Encourage your child to ask the bully to cease their behavior. Whether it happens at school or work, the first question asked about bullying is, “Did you tell them to stop?” It may seem insignificant, but it’s a crucial first move.
· Get in touch with the teacher and principal of the child. Schools frequently find themselves encumbered by the need to follow extensive protocols in these scenarios. Real action can happen sooner if you start the ball rolling quickly.
· Request a copy of the school’s bullying policy. When you are familiar with the rules, you are better equipped to make informed decisions about how to progress.
· If your child is being physically bullied, it’s worth considering contacting the police in your area. This is likely more suitable for high school students rather than elementary school students. However, it might be a good idea to create some documentation and establish a consistent routine if the school is uncooperative. If the police are involved, you can be certain that the school will treat the matter seriously.
· Encourage your child to seek help immediately if they experience bullying. If the bully is allowed to escape consequences, there is a high chance that the behavior will carry on.
· Help your child develop a strong sense of self-esteem and self-confidence. Confidence and self-esteem problems are common among children, making them targets for bullies. Bullies typically search for someone they can victimize. Boosting your child’s self-esteem will deter bullies.
· Develop a set of rules for regulating your child’s use of technology. Make sure your child is responsibly using the internet and cell phone. When your child is being cyberbullied, your first instinct may be to restrict their internet usage. This could be a mistake. Your child will be hesitant to tell you about any future incidents.
· Should your child face cyber-bullying, take the step of reporting the incident to the suitable cell phone providers, internet service providers, and websites. These companies are now more responsive to your concerns than ever before.
· Avoid both overreacting and under reacting, and be thorough in gathering all the information. Get the school administration involved promptly by seeking help from your child’s teacher and principal.
Supporting your child through a bullying situation is something most parents go through. Regardless of how amazing your child is, there is always that one child who enjoys making their life miserable. Consider it to facilitate your child’s growth and development.
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