Description: In this blog article, Private Tutor William shares some important information on how to help a child who is bullied in school.
‘If your child is being bullied, don’t panic. Your key role is listening, calming and providing reassurance that the situation can get better when action is taken.’ (anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk)
The Effects of Bullying
Unfortunately, bullying at school is rife and is something which many young people experience on a daily basis.
In fact, the NBPC (National Bullying Prevention Centre) reports that one out of every five young people (20.2%) have experienced bullying at school.
This can be extremely degrading for an individual and can subsequently lead to them losing motivation, feeling isolated and seriously damaging their mental well-being.
This may jeopardise the ability of a young person to flourish into a young adult and seek their true potential, as they may feel as though they are a lesser person due to the fact that they have been targeted.
What Can Parents Do?
For parents, to hear that their child is the target of bullying is extremely distressing.
Their first instinct may be panic and upset.
It is often the case that the child will not tell their parents that they are victims of bullying as they find it hard to reach out in a time of helplessness.
The isolating nature of bullying can, by its very nature, make someone feel reluctant to speak out and seek help which allows negative thoughts and feelings manifest.
As a parent, there are many things you can do to help your child if you suspect that a bully is targeting your child.
Children who are unhappy at school may show a number of signs:
- A reluctance to go to school
- Unexplained tummy upsets or headaches
- Showing signs of distress on a Sunday night or at the end of the school holidays
- Becoming quiet, withdrawn or playing up
- Torn clothes and missing belongings
- Wanting to leave for school much earlier than necessary, or returning home late
Different Approaches
If you notice your child is displaying these signs, then there are many approaches you can take as a parent to help your child:
- Listen and reassure them that coming to you was the right thing to do.
- Assure them that bullying is not their fault and they have family that will support them.
- Don’t encourage retaliation to bully – such as violent actions.
- Find out what your child wants to happen next. Help to identify the choices open to them; the potential next steps to take and the skills they may have to help solve the problems.
- Encourage your child to involve themselves in activities that build their confidence and esteem, and help them to form friendships outside of school (or wherever the bullying is taking place).
- Discuss the situation with your child’s teacher or Headteacher – or the lead adult wherever the bullying is taking place.
Every child has a right to a safe environment in which to learn and play.
Schools must have a behaviour policy which sets out the measures that will prevent all forms of bullying between pupils.
Final Note
Having a child that is a subject of bullying can be detrimental for both the child and the parents.
However, through consistent communication, there are many ways to address the situation and restore confidence and happiness in your child when at school.
As a parent, the best thing you can do is look out for the signs that your child is unhappy and reassure them that you are there to support them, no matter how mild or severe the circumstances.
Every child deserves the right to be happy, and bullying has no place in a modern society that promotes inclusion and diversity.
No child should be the subject of bullying. They need assurance that they are not the problem, but those who inflict the cowardly nastiness.
Visit https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/ for more information on anti-bullying.
By tutor William. Contact Us