Bullying at school can leave a lasting impact on a child’s life, affecting their self-esteem, confidence, and mental health. For parents, it can be distressing to see their child suffering and not know how to help.

However, there are strategies that parents can use to handle their child’s bullying at school and provide them with the support and guidance they need.

1. Listen to your child

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to listen to your child. Encourage them to open up to you about their experiences at school and how they are feeling.

Let them know that you are on their side and that you will support them no matter what.

2. Teach your child how to respond to bullying

It’s important to teach your child how to respond to bullying in a confident and assertive way. Encourage them to stand up for themselves and to tell the bully that their behavior is not acceptable.

However, it’s also important to teach your child not to retaliate or escalate the situation.

3. Work with the school

Make sure that you are in contact with your child’s school and that they are aware of the bullying.

Work with the school to put in place strategies to address the issue, such as providing support for the child who is being bullied and consequences for the bully.

4. Encourage your child to participate in activities outside of school

Bullying can be isolating, so it’s important to encourage your child to participate in activities outside of school where they can meet new people and build self-confidence.

5. Seek professional help

If your child is struggling with the impact of bullying, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist can provide your child with the tools and support they need to develop coping skills and improve their self-esteem.

6. Model positive behavior

As a parent, it’s important to model positive behavior and to teach your child to treat others with respect and kindness. This can help to create a culture of positivity and inclusion, which can reduce the incidence of bullying.

7. Teach your child to be an upstander

Encourage your child to be an upstander, someone who stands up to bullying and supports the person who is being bullied. Teach them to be empathetic and to include others who may be feeling left out.

8. Be aware of the signs of bullying

It’s important to be aware of the signs of bullying, such as changes in behavior, withdrawal, and physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action.

9. Teach your child self-care strategies

Bullying can be stressful and overwhelming, so it’s important to teach your child self-care strategies that can help them manage their emotions and reduce stress. This can include things like exercise, mindfulness, and journaling.

10. Celebrate your child’s strengths

It’s important to celebrate your child’s strengths and achievements, and to help them focus on the things that they are good at. This can help to build their self-esteem and resilience, which can help them to cope with bullying.