Finding out that your child is being bullied can be distressing, but staying calm and providing steady support is key. Your role is to listen, offer reassurance, and guide them toward positive actions that can improve the situation. This blogpost talks about ways to support your child if they have been bullied.
First, it is important to know what bullying is to make sure you are not calling a relational conflict bullying. Bullying is: The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online.
Now that you have established that your child is actually being bullied, here are some steps to take:
- Listen and Validate: Start by giving your child your full attention and let them know that speaking up was the right choice. Gently gather the facts about what has been happening. Keeping a written record of incidents can be very helpful if you need to involve the school or other authorities.
- Reassure Them: Make it clear that the bullying is never their fault and that they have a strong support system at home. Let them know that you will discuss any steps before taking action, giving them a sense of control over the situation.
- Discourage Retaliation: It is important not to encourage your child to respond with aggression. Hitting or lashing out can make things worse, both physically and socially, and could even result in your child being seen as the problem. Instead, advise them to remove themselves from harmful situations and seek help from a trusted adult.
- Explore Options Together: Talk through what your child would like to happen next. Discuss the choices available, possible next steps, and the skills they can use to manage or resolve the problem.
- Boost Confidence and Friendships: Encourage your child to engage in activities that strengthen self-esteem and build friendships outside the environment where bullying occurs. Having supportive social connections can help them feel safer and more confident.
- Work with the School or Organisation: Reach out to your child’s teacher, headteacher, or the designated safeguarding lead at the location where the bullying is happening. Every child has the right to feel safe while learning or playing. Schools should have clear policies outlining the measures they take to prevent bullying and protect pupils.
Have a look at some of our resources for parents on bullying.
Safeglia’s Guide For Parents of Children Who Might Be Bullying Others
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