Back To School – How To Talk About Bullying

  

 

Although bullying has been all over the news this past year, many parents still aren’t quite sure how to talk to their children about it. You may not be able to tell whether your child is a potential bully or in danger of being bullied, but it is important to talk to them regardless. Schools should be a safe place for our children to learn and it’s high time that we take matters into our own hands with an ounce or two of bullying prevention.

How To Talk To Your Kids About Bullying

Talk About Why Kids Bully – A great way to open the conversation with your child is to talk to them about the reasons people may become bullies. Potential causes of bullying include peer pressure, problems at home, lack of discipline at home and/or school, or they may feel powerless for a variety of reasons and turn to bullying to make them feel in control and powerful.

Share Your Story – If you were bullied in the past, share your story with your child. Tell them what happened, what you did about, and how it affected you. If you didn’t stand up to the bullying, tell your child why and what you would have done differently.

Don’t Play It Cool – Sure, kids will be kids but bullying is beyond normal adolescent behavior. Be careful not to tell your children that any form of bullying is “ok” or “normal.” Also, don’t overly demonize bullies. It’s important for your child to understand that even bullies are human and have some good inside them, even if it’s hard to see that at the moment they’re bullying.

Take Action! Finally, discuss proper courses of action if your child is the victim of a bully or if they see someone else being bullied. It’s important to seek help from an adult in a supervisory position. It’s also important to say, “no,” to the bully and to tell the bully that their behavior is not ok. Come up with an action plan with your child, taking into account different scenarios your child may encounter.

Before your child goes back to school, prepare them with a chat about bullying. Raising happy, healthy children isn’t always easy but it’s well worth it.