Schools have begun and our children are in an environment that we cannot constantly monitor nor control.

 

If there’s one thing we don’t want our child to fall prey of is bullying by his or her peers.  So how do we handle a bullying situation should it arise? By following the steps below.

 

 

The first and most important step is to recognize bullying as it is different from innocent teasing that your child may experience from other children at school or siblings. Bullying is an aggressive act, be it verbally and/or physically and its purpose is to break down the psychology of the child.

 

 

Talk to your child about bullying. Share your own experience, if you have one. Make sure your child understands what bullying is and that there’s always an escape – that there is always someone who will help them.

 

 

The person doing the bullying generally targets someone they believe is “weak” or “timid” – someone they consider to be an easy target.  It’s therefore important to strengthen the confidence of our child. Do this through play – a game. Sit together and take turns completing the sentence "I am very good at ... 'eg "I'm very good at tennis" and then you say what you are good at. This will help your child recognize that they too possess strengths and talents, thus building their confidence! 

 

 

If bullying occurs, your child must be ready to respond. Help him with some sentences – key points that he can use to react with when the bullying occurs.  Phrases such as "leave me alone", "Go", "Do not do that" are simple, not competitive and communicate a very clear message.

 

 

Make sure your child is well prepared for a bullying situation. Play out a scenario at home. Take the role of bully and get your child to practice different behaviors and responses until you find those that you are both comfortable with for him or her to apply, if ever the time ever comes.

 

The child will feel stronger and more protected if he or she has their friends close. Remind your child that friends are allies. Encourage those friendships through play dates for example

 

 

If the bullying situation reaches dangerous levels and your child does not want to go to school or is behaving strangely, you absolutely have to talk with the school authorities and also the parents of the bully.  The bullying has to be exposed.  And if necessary, seek help from psychologists and counselors who will assist you in handling the situation appropriately.