How to deal with bullies in school
Parents often feel hopeless as they watch their children go to school, knowing their young ones are forced to bear the brunt of being bullied.
Bullies are unfortunately found in every school, wreaking havoc in their victims’ lives.
Parents often feel hopeless as they watch their children go to school, knowing their young ones are forced to bear the brunt of being bullied. However, as a parent, you can take steps in assisting your child in breaking away from being a victim of a schoolyard bully.
1. Talk to teachers
If you are aware of your child being bullied, it is of the utmost importance that you bring the problem up with your child’s teacher immediately. The teacher and other school staff can then keep an eye out and take necessary steps against the bully when caught.
2. Contact the bully’s parents
Despite any embarrasement your child might feel, their safeguarding is your main objective. Contact the bully’s parents and ask if you could set up an appointment with them, discussing how their child’s behaviour and actions are affecting your child’s life.
3. Self defence lessons
You can also send your child to karate or boxing lessons. While it is never advisable to encourage your child to react to bullying in a violent way, the sports will give them enough confidence to stand up to their bullies, knowing they will be able to defend themselves if the matter was to get out of hand.
4. Encourage your child to speak up
Tell your child there is no shame in walking away from the bully, thereby avoiding the conflict, and going to tell an adult.
How to see if your child is being bullied:
Children might often keep quiet about bullies, but there are ways to tell if your child is being antagonised by a bully.
1. Unexplained injuries.
2. Lost or destroyed clothing, jewellery and school stationery.
3. Difficulty in sleeping and nightmares.
4. Change in eating habits, either skipping meals or binge eating.
What if your child is the bully?
No parent wants to admit their child might be a problem at school or a bully. But, it is necessary not to turn a blind eye, as bullying can have lasting psychological affects on the victims.
These are signs your child might be a bully:
1. They get angry quickly.
2. They take their frustration out by hitting or pushing other children.
3. Your child continuously fights with his or her siblings.
4. He or she has difficulty in understanding how their actions affect others.
5. They get into trouble frequently at school.
Must read on the website:
- VIDEO: Would you do anything to stop the bullying?
- Monday Motivation: Stop cyber bullying In 5 clicks
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