When we think of bullying, our minds often focus on the target. But what about the children on the other side of the equation, the ones exhibiting bullying behaviour? As difficult as it may be to acknowledge, recognising and addressing this behaviour is essential for teaching empathy, accountability, and creating a lasting positive change. If your child is showing signs of bullying, here are eight actionable tips to guide you through this challenging situation.
- Understand Bullying Behaviour. Explain to your child what bullying is: repetitive, intentional hurting where there is an imbalance of power. Emphasise that bullying is a behaviour, not an identity. Avoid labelling them as a “bully.”
- Promote Open Communication. Create a safe space for your child to talk. Ask open-ended questions to understand their feelings and actions. Ensure they know they can talk to you or another trusted adult about any worries they have.
- Model Respectful Behaviour. Demonstrate kindness, empathy, and respect in your own behaviour. Make it clear as a family that hurtful language or actions are unacceptable.
- Encourage Accountability. Help your child reflect on their actions and understand the impact on others. Support them in taking responsibility for their behaviour and making amends.
- Address External Influences. Discuss peer pressure and teach them to resist encouragement to hurt others. Monitor their online activity and educate them about responsible use of social media.
- Investigate Underlying Issues. Explore if there are any factors contributing to the behaviour, such as difficulties at school, bullying they may have experienced, or low self-esteem.
- Collaborate with Schools. Engage with school staff to develop a consistent approach to addressing the behaviour. Be open to feedback and proactive in supporting solutions.
- Promote Empathy. Use opportunities like stories, role play, or discussions to build empathy. Encourage them to consider how their actions affect others.
Discovering that your child might be bullying others can be a tough pill to swallow, but it is also an opportunity for growth, for both you and your child. Therefore, it is important to address the behaviour with proactive steps, to ensure that you are not just helping your child; you are creating a safer, more empathetic community for everyone.
Raising children is a journey, and together, we can help each other. Share these tips with other parents and carers to help combat bullying and raise a kinder generation.
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