How To Tackle Bullying

In a world where our children face various challenges, one issue stands out as particularly concerning: bullying. Anti Bullying Week is an international campaign that focuses on raising awareness of bullying, both in schools and the wider community. It aims to promote kindness, empathy, and understanding among children while empowering them to take a stand against bullying. As parents, it is important to equip our children with the knowledge and skills to nurture an environment where bullying is less likely to thrive. 

 

So let’s take a look at how to spot the signs of bullying, and how to bring up children to be empathetic, compassionate, and respectful people who choose not to engage in bullying behaviour.

 

Recognising the signs

 

Bullying can take many forms, from physical aggression to subtle psychological torment. Here are just a few examples of what bullying behaviour can be;

 

Verbal – name calling, threatening language, spreading rumours.

Emotional – excluding, humiliating, hiding belongings.

Physical – hitting, pushing, pinching.

Online/Cyber – sending nasty messages, sharing photos, posting on social media.

Sexual – unwanted physical contact, inappropriate touching, exposure to inappropriate videos etc.

 

So if your child doesn’t confide in you, how can you tell they are being bullied? Here are some common indicators to watch out for;

 

• Behavioural changes – watch out for anxiety, withdrawal, depression, or a sudden fear of going to school. 
• Physical symptoms – frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms with no apparent cause.
• Difficulty sleeping – nightmares, bedwetting, or difficulty falling asleep can all be indicators of emotional distress.
• Declining academic performance – this may be a result of stress or the inability to concentrate due to bullying.
• Change in friends – watch out for changes in your child’s social circle. A shift in friendships can be a response to bullying or an attempt to avoid it.
• Damaged or missing belongings – keep an eye on your child’s belongings, and ask them about any unexplained losses or damage.
• Emotional outbursts – increased anger, frustration or emotional outbursts without an apparent cause can be an indication of the stress and anxiety associated with bullying.
• Reluctance to discuss school – this is often the case with many children and doesn’t necessarily mean they are being bullied, but if your child is normally happy to tell you about their day at school and that suddenly changes, it may be a cause for concern.

 

Preventing your child from becoming a bully

Preventing bullying starts at home by instilling empathy, kindness, and respect to help shape your child’s behaviour. Here are some strategies to help you;

 

• Be a role model – children learn by example, so it’s important to show kindness and compassion in your interactions with others, including your own children. Treat others as you would like to be treated. 
• Encourage open communication – create a safe and non-judgmental environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings and experiences. Encourage them to talk about their day, any challenges they face, and any concerns they may have.
• Teach empathy – explain the importance of understanding and sharing others’ feelings. Talk to your child about putting themselves in other people’s shoes and seeing the world from different perspectives.
• Promote inclusivity – encourage your child to make friends with children from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Teach them that everyone has value, regardless of their differences. 
• Set clear expectations – establish clear rules and boundaries about behaviour, emphasising the importance of empathy and respect. Discuss the consequences of bullying and the positive outcomes of kindness.
• Teach conflict resolution – talk to your child about how to handle conflicts in a non-violent and constructive way, encouraging them to use words to express their feelings and always try to compromise.
• Monitor online activities – keep an eye on your child’s online interactions and discuss responsible online behaviour. Cyberbullying is a growing concern and it’s crucial to address it early.
• Extracurricular activities – encourage your child to participate in activities where they can develop teamwork, cooperation, and interpersonal skills in a positive environment while doing something they enjoy.
• Be an advocate – if your child witnesses bullying or sees someone being treated unfairly, encourage them to speak up and seek help from a trusted adult. Explain to them that it’s important for the child who is being treated badly to know they have an ally.

 

Take action against bullying 

 

If you suspect that your child is experiencing bullying, it’s crucial to take swift and supportive action. Here’s how;

 

• Listen and reassure – when your child shares their experiences, listen without judgement and let them know you are there to support them and that they are not alone.
• Document incidents – encourage your child to keep a record of bullying incidents, noting the dates, times, locations, and the people involved. This information can be valuable when discussing the situation with the school.
• Contact the school – it is important to let the school know what has been happening and work with them so that appropriate action can be taken to address the bullying. If you are not satisfied with the action the school takes, persevere until you are. 
• Teach assertiveness – help your child to build their confidence by teaching them how to assert themselves without resorting to aggression. Role-playing different scenarios can empower them to respond to bullying more effectively.
• Seek professional help – hopefully the situation will be swiftly resolved without causing too much emotional distress, but if your child has been significantly affected it may be helpful for them to talk to a health professional that specialises in child and adolescent issues who will be able to provide valuable support and guidance.

 

Combating bullying requires a collective effort from parents, schools, and society as a whole. By recognising the signs, promoting empathy and kindness, and taking decisive action, we can create a safer, more inclusive world for our children, not just during Anti-Bullying Week, but every week of the year.