As a parent, you want to protect your child. To prevent them from undergoing any harm or suffering in their life. You may be tempted to watch them like a hawk and keep them under your wing at all times. But there are times when you have to relinquish your parental control. When they go off to school or see their friends, their lives and experiences are temporarily out of your hands. Hopefully, they will enjoy a happy childhood with nothing more arduous than a few academic struggles and scraped knees. But for some children, their formative years can be a bit more taxing.
Bullying can happen to any child, for any reason. Approximately a fifth of all children are the victims of bullying, and it can take its toll on their mental health and make them scared to go to school. So what can you do if you suspect your child is being bullied at school?
Listen to them
Hearing that your child is being picked on or physically hurt will be upsetting news, but try not to let your emotions take over when your child breaks the news. Make an effort to put your feelings aside and actively listen to what your child is telling you. Rather than taking the action that you think is best, ask your child what you can do to help them. If you take charge without consulting them, you may make them even more stressed and worried than before.
Reassure them it’s not their fault
A child who is being bullied may see it as their fault, for not being strong or cool enough. Maybe someone has laughed at them for wearing glasses or not owning the latest Balenciaga clothing. But someone who chooses to pick on their classmates often does so due to peer pressure or a desire to appear superior to their friends. And it is not your child’s fault. Reiterate this fact and let them know that being bullied isn’t about strength and weakness. Remind them that some of the most successful celebrities in the world were bullied as children.
Help them handle the situation
Some bullies exhibit cruelty because they want a reaction. If your child gets upset or angry, they are playing into their aggressor’s hands. Teach them to deal with the situation appropriately. If someone is saying mean things, sometimes the best solution is to ignore it and act as though it doesn’t bother you and eventually, the bully will get bored.
Encourage them in other areas
Bullying shouldn’t take over your child’s life. Help your child to thrive in other areas of their life, such as a sport or creative hobby. Giving them a meaningful pursuit to focus on and excel at puts things into perspective and helps them to realise that someone saying mean things to them ultimately doesn’t matter.
Deal with it cautiously
You might be tempted to rush off to the headteacher or the bully’s parents to complain, but your rashness could make the situation worse. Be cautious before taking action, and talk to your child about the best way to handle the problem.