Bullying Tips for Parents:
Bullying is a form of aggressive, harassing and manipulative behavior. It
is not a new issue and it occurs across all geographic, racial and
socioeconomic boundries. What is new is the growing awareness that bullying
may have serious consequences for the perpetrator and for the victim.
No child deserves to be bullied and no child should bully another. Many
victims of bullying remain silent and do not report the problem for fear of
retaliation or embarrassment. Parents can be instrumental in helping their
child by learning the signs of aggressive and harassing behaviors as well as
strategies to deal with bullying when it occurs. The best protection
parents can offer their children is to foster their child’s self confidence
and self esteem. Talking frankly about respect for self and for others will
increase tolerance of differences.
Examples of What Bullying Looks Like:
Name calling, teasing, making fun of someone, spreading rumors, starting
lies, about another, sarcasm, telling others to exclude or not to be
friends with someone, subtle negative comments or comments under ones
breath, pinching, slapping, hitting, tripping, pushing, racial taunting,
threats of violence or retaliation, overt manipulation, facial expressions,
and physical or verbal intimidation are all examples of bullying. These
forms of bullying can be carried out in person and/or written form as in
notes, computer emails, or instant messages.
Examples of victim’s behavior:
Dislike of school, school refusal, dislike of school bus, decrease in school
success, sleep problems, fretful sleep, bad dreams, crying in sleep, somatic
complaints, frequent visit to school nurse, sadness, unexplained bruises,
loss of lunch money, damaged or missing property, social withdrawal or
isolation, and increased fearfulness or anxiety are examples of bullying
victim’s behavior.
Examples of what parents can do:
• Talk to your child about bullying and harassment.
• Ask your child if they are being bullied
• Encourage your child to report incidents of bullying to the
counselor, teacher, or administrator.
• Talk with school officials about incidents of bullying.
Examples of what victim’s can do:
• Ignore the bully, don’t react, walk away. Bullies are trying to
intimidate and dominate and want to see your reaction.
• Be assertive but do not get into a physical or verbal fight with the
bully. Hold your head up, show self confidence, tell them to stop and walk
away.
• Use humor. The bully won’t be expecting that reaction. It may
discourage further incidents.
• Stick with a friend. Use a buddy system going to and from school,
during change of classes, and lunch time. Peer support may increase self
confidence.
• Avoid the bully when necessary.
• Report bullying to counselors, teacher, or administration.
