How to Deal With School Age Bullying

As many as half of all children are bullied at some point while in school, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Bullying is the act of inflicting intentional physical, verbal or psychological torment on another and can affect a child's self-esteem and relationships with others. It is important for adults to take school-age bullying seriously. Together adults and the child can work to put an end to the bullying.

Instructions

1. For Adults

   • 1
     Look for the signs of bullying. Observe your child for signs of anxiety such as lack of appetite or sleep and abstaining from things he usually enjoys. Notice changes in your child's routine, such as avoiding certain routes or places, or avoiding certain people.
   • 2
     Find of an opportunity to bring the subject up with your child using an indirect means. Watch a television show or read a book with your child about bullying. Use this opportunity to pose questions to your child such as "Do you know anyone who has been bullied?" or "Have you ever experienced bullying?" Tell your child it is important to let an adult know if he is bullied or witnesses bullying. Tell him to talk to you or another adult, a teacher or an older sibling about the bullying.
   • 3
     Comfort and support your child if she confides in you about bullying. Praise her for telling you and let her know that it is nothing to be ashamed of. Tell her it happens to many people and that she did not do anything wrong. Share stories of how you were bullied as a child or have an older sibling or cousin the child looks up to share his experience.
   • 4
     Build up your child's confidence. Encourage your child to join clubs and programs that interest him. Enroll your child in a self-defense class such as karate to help him feel strong and confident.
   • 5
     Listen to your child if he says the bullying will become worse if the bully learns he told someone about it. Contact the bully's parents if you know them and believe talking with them will provide a solution.
   • 6
     Contact your child's school principal, his teachers and guidance counselor and inform them of the situation. Ask the school to set up a conference between you and the bully's parents if you do not feel comfortable contacting them on your own.
   • 7
     Research the school's bullying policies as well as your state's laws. Contact the police if you believe your child's safety is at risk.

   For Children

   • 1
     Avoid the bully whenever possible. Do not go in areas where the bully is located. Avoid being alone with the bully. Ask a friend or an adult to walk with you if you must be around the bully.
   • 2
     Try not to react to the bully's taunts. Try not to cry, show anger, laugh or respond in any way to any of the bully's actions. Bullies thrive on a response, and refusing to provide one will rob the bully of his reward. Practice counting to 10 in your head or taking deep breaths to cool down.
   • 3
     Ignore the bully's actions whenever possible. Start talking to a friend or simply act like you do not hear. Tell the bully to stop and walk away if you cannot ignore her. Speak clearly and firmly and without any emotion.
   • 4
     Tell an adult about the bullying. Speak to your parents, teachers, an older sibling or someone else you trust. Adults can help you find a solution to the bullying and provide support.