Five Ways to Tell Your Child’s Bullied
When Bullying Goes Too Far
Awhile back, we touched on how to avoid spoiling your child for a better social life in school. On the opposite spectrum of the spoiled bully, however, is the good child that goes ignored. Sirdeaner Walker was one of these children, taking his own life when the school did not address bullying he’d reported several times. He was only 11 years old.
Here are five steps to telling that your child’s being bullied — and acting proactively.
Five Ways to Tell Your Child’s Being Bullied – And How to Address It
- Ask Questions at Parent-Teacher Conferences. When you attend parent-teacher conferences, make sure to ask your child’s teacher how they’re doing socially. Ask if they’ve ever made a complaint, or even a vague comment, about negative relationships with other children. Do not write it off as “kids being kids;” make sure the school addresses any bullying on their campus. The child that is bullying needs just as much help as the child(ren) he/she’s terrorizing.
- Ask Your Child About Their Friends… And Their Not-So-Friends. Rather than blatantly asking a child how they’re being treated at school — which they might answer dismissively — try approaching their school social life at a different angle. Ask about their friends. Ask if there are kids that aren’t so friendly. This will show your child you have an interest and help him or her open up to you.
- Observe Changes in Behavior. A bullied child may suddenly show a behavioral change when entering the school or new grade. Don’t think this is just the mood swings involved in growing up; be aware of your child’s feelings.
- Attend School and Extracurricular Events. If a school is having a holiday event or sports event that your child is part of, make sure you attend. You can observe how your child interacts with other children.
- Pick Your Child Up from School. If your child normally takes the bus, offer to pick them up once in awhile. Are there things happening after school? Many bullies choose to terrorize other children after school’s let out.
You can help bolster your child’s self-esteem through activities they love. You can also teach them how to turn to the adults at their school and how to stand up against bullies.
