Tip Of The Month
Tips for Addressing and Preventing Bullying
April 2009
1. If your child comes to you and says he or she is being bullied, believe your child. Or, if you suspect your child is being bullied, do not be afraid to ask.
2. Do NOT confront the bully or the bully's parents.
3. DO talk to the teacher and/or other school administration.
4. Make an effort to spend more positive time with your child, to help negate the negative effects of the bullying, or to prevent your child from engaging in bullying behavior.
5. Help your child learn bully resistance skills, or enroll your child in a class aimed at promoting assertiveness skills, social skills, or self-defense.
6. Consider why your child may be a target for bullies, or why your child may be a bully.
7. Label your child's belongings, but explain to your child that his or her safety is ultimately more important than belongings.
8. Encourage your child to express feelings around you, and to not be afraid to blow off steam, argue, or state opinions that are different from your own. Ask your child often about how things are going, and how he or she is feeling.
9. GET INVOLVED in your child's school: attend conferences and extracurricular activities your child is involved with.
10. Discipline at home should be fair, consistent, age-appropriate, and respectful. Children who feel bullied at home are more likely to bully their peers.
