Breaking the Cycle: Talking to Your Child About Bullying

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and its impact on children’s mental health. One in five students is bullied each year, with higher rates among students with disabilities or those identifying as LGBTQ+. Bullying can cause serious harm – physically, emotionally, and academically. It may lead to depression, anxiety, or feeling unsafe at school. As parents, knowing the warning signs of bullying can make a big difference.

Bullying can be verbal, physical, social, or digital, with cyberbullying on the rise. Parents should stay engaged by checking in with their children, monitoring social media, and discussing school experiences. Warning signs may include reluctance to go to school, social withdrawal, unusual quietness, unexplained injuries, missing belongings, or frequent complaints of feeling unwell. If these signs appear, talk with your child about bullying and how to seek help.

If you think your child may be bullied, follow these steps:

1. Listen and Support –Let your child talk openly, reassure them it’s not their fault, and remind them they’re not alone.
2. Document incidents –Keep detailed records of bullying, including dates, names, and descriptions. Save screenshots if they’re online.
3. Contact the school –Share your concerns with teachers or administrators, present your documentation, and review the school’s bullying policy to ensure action is taken.
4. Empower your child –Encourage them to seek help from trusted adults, not retaliate. Support their self-esteem by promoting friendships, hobbies, and positive activities.

It’s also important to consider that your child may be bullying others. While it is difficult to hear, it’s crucial to address behaviors directly, talk openly with your child, and provide support and guidance.

If your child is bullying others, follow these tips:

1. Stay calm –Approach the conversation with compassion to keep communication open.
2. Listen and understand –Ask open-ended questions to explore the reasons behind the behaviors.
3. Set clear expectations –Explain that bullying is unacceptable, outline consequences, and reinforce school policies.
4. Teach empathy –Help your child understand the impact of their actions and encourage kindness and respect for others.

Whether your child is being bullied, bullying others, or is a bystander, the most important thing is to keep the conversation going. Let them know you care and are always there to listen. Together, we can help our children build empathy and spread kindness.