Tips for Parents of a Bullied Child

    • Ask your child what he or she thinks should be done: What’s already been tried? What worked and what didn’t?

    • Seek help from your child’s teacher or the school guidance counselor: Most bullying occurs on playgrounds, in lunchrooms, and bathrooms, on school buses or in unsupervised halls. 

    • Don’t encourage your child to fight back: Explain to your child that the bully’s true goal is to get a response, and suggest that he or she try walking away to avoid the bully, or that they seek help from a teacher, coach, or other adult. 

    • Help your child practice being assertive: The simple act of insisting that the bully leave him alone may have a surprising effect. Help your child practice what to say to the bully so he or she will be prepared the next time.

    • Practice the buddy system: Encourage your child to be with friends when traveling back and forth from school, during shopping trips, or on others outings. Bullies are less likely to pick on a child in a group.

    • Consult an expert: If your child becomes withdrawn, depressed or reluctant to go to school or if you see a decline in school performance, additional consultation or intervention may be required. Seeking professional assistance earlier can lessen the risk of lasting emotional consequences for your child.