"Bullying" How to Help your Child Handle the Bully

Help your Child Handle the Bully


Warning signs of bullying:

If your child is being bullied, he or she may remain quiet out of fear, shame or embarrassment. Warning signs:

• Damaged or missing clothing or other personal belongings

• Unexplained bruises or other injuries

• Few friends or close contacts

• Reluctance to go to school or ride the school bus

• Poor school performance

• Headaches, stomachaches or other physical complaints

• Trouble sleeping or eating

What to do if you suspect your child is being bullied

• Encourage your child to share their concerns. Stay calm, listen in a loving manner and support your child's feelings. Express understanding and concern. "Remind your child that he or she isn't to blame for being bullied.

• Learn as much as you can about the situation. Ask your child to describe how and when the bullying occurs and who is involved. Ask if other children or adults have witnessed any bullying incidents. Find out what your child may have done to try to stop the bullying.

• Teach your child how to respond to the bullying. Don't promote retaliation or fighting back against a bully. Instead, encourage your child to maintain his or her composure. He or she might say, "I want you to stop now," and then simply walk away. Suggest a buddy system while on the bus, in the cafeteria or wherever the bullying happens. Remind your child that he or she can ask teachers or other school officials for help.

• Contact school officials. Talk to your child's teacher, the school counselor and the school principal. If your child has been physically attacked or otherwise threatened with harm, talk to school officials immediately to determine if the police should be involved. Don't contact the bully's parents yourself. You might also want to encourage school officials to address bullying — including cyberbullying — as part of the curriculum.

• Follow up. Keep in contact with school officials. If the bullying seems to continue, be persistent.

• Boost your child's self-confidence. Help your child get involved in activities that can raise self-esteem, such as sports, music or art. Encourage your child to build friendships and develop social skills.

• Know when to seek professional help. Consider professional or school counseling for your child if his or her fear or anxiety becomes overwhelming.

For more information please visit the Mayo Clinic website and the WebMD site. The links to these sites are listed below for your convenience.



Reference:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bullying/MH00126/NSECTIONGROUP=2

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/tc/bullying-what-children-should-do-if-they-are-bullied