Knowing your child is being bullied can be very upsetting but it is very common in primary school-aged children. Children may bully other children because they are experiencing changes in their own lives so are experimenting with power and boundaries.
How to recognise bullying
- shyness around others
- becoming withdrawn - not wanting to talk about school, college or work
- trouble expressing their thoughts
- low self-confidence
- appearing anxious or fearful
- changes in behaviour
- avoid situations such as going to school or worrying about going places
- school work declining
- ripped clothing
- not eating lunch or going hungry
How can I help someone who is being bullied?
- be a good listener and encourage them to tell you what's happened
- try to stay calm and not act too shocked when they talk to you about what's happened – if you over-react this may scare them into not sharing anything else with you
- explain some reasons for bullying, it may help you child understand that it's not their fault
- be understanding of the problem and offer to work together to find a solution, when you think of some options, help them to choose the best solution to try
- do not encourage them to fight back as this can often lead to more bullying
- practise your solution through role play or writing things down, then put it in to action
- praise your child for talking to you about the bullying and for coming up with a solution to resolve it
- where appropriate inform the victims school, workplace or trusted adult that you are concerned they are being bullied
Useful links
Website: Bullies Out - Helping some else (opens in a new window)
Website: Bullying UK How to spot the signs of bullying (opens in a new window)