SEE THE WARNING SIGNS
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If you notice your child is the target of bullying and appears anxious, sad, or ill, has difficulty sleeping, or exhibits other worrisome behaviors, talk to your child openly, or contact his or her doctor or a mental health counselor immediately. Recognizing the warning signs of bullying is crucial to preventing further harm to the child.
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH YOUR KIDS LIVES
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There are simple ways that parents and caregivers can keep up-to-date with kids’ lives.
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Read class newsletters and school flyers. Talk about them at home.
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Check the school website.
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Go to school events.
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Greet the bus driver.
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Meet teachers and counselors at “Back to School” night or reach out by email.
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Share phone numbers with other kids’ parents.
MODEL HOW TO TREAT OTHERS WITH KINDNESS & RESPECT
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Kids learn from adults’ actions. By treating others with kindness and respect, adults show the kids in their lives that there is no place for bullying. Even if it seems like they are not paying attention, kids are watching how adults manage stress and conflict, as well as how they treat their friends, colleagues, and families.
PARENTS: RECOGNIZING AND PREVENTING BULLYING
Parents play a key role in preventing and responding to bullying. If you know or suspect that your child is involved in bullying, there are several resources that may help.
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Recognize the warning signs that your child is involved in bullying. They could be being bullied, bullying others, or witnessing bullying. Although these signs could signal other issues, you should talk to your child if they display any sort of behavioral or emotional changes. Many times kids won’t ask for help, so it is important to know what to look for. If your child is at immediate risk of harming himself or others, get help right away.
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Learn what bullying is and what it is not. Understanding what constitutes bullying is the first step in forming a plan to prevent or respond to bullying with your child.
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Talk to your child about bullying. Keeping the lines of communication open with your child will make it easier to talk to them if an incident occurs. It is also important to work with your child’s school to help prevent bullying before it starts.