Bullying
Bullying is when one person intimidates or excludes another with the intention of being hurtful. It can include many different types of behaviour including verbal and physical violence
A child experiencing bullying can feel upset, sad and alone. If it is taking place at school, they may try to avoid school by making excuses, or may feel so anxious that they actually become physically ill. Bullying can cause depression, self-injury and eating problems. Very often the victims are intimidated by the bullies into keeping it secret.
For a parent, finding out your child is being bullied can be difficult and stressful. Supporting them can be challenging, as you go through your own feelings of fear, anger, sympathy and protection.
The first step to stop your child’s bullying is for them to tell someone. If they have told you, then they have taken an enormous step and will need support and encouragement to tell others. It is important to listen supportively at first, without offering opinions or judgement. When your child is ready, help to stop the bullying.
You can help to prevent your child being bullied by bringing the issue up with a teacher, or Head Teacher. Schools should have a policy in place to address bullying behaviour and you can ask for a copy of this.
Children who bully
Children who bully others may be doing it for a variety of reasons but often the root cause will be their own unhappiness or feelings of powerlessness.
They may be experiencing bullying at home or in another situation, or may be feeling neglected or rejected and using the bullying to make up for these feelings.
If you find out that your child is a bully it can be deeply shocking and can cause many difficult feelings. However, it can often be the opportunity to help your child and change whatever is causing their behaviour.
Try and work together with the school and resolve the issues in a positive way. The Parents Information Service will be happy to talk about these issues.
Help from YoungMinds
In school, stay cool (for young people)
Bullying (for parents)
Parents information service
YoungMinds Parents information service can offer further advice on what to do about bullying.
Find out more about the Parents Information Service
Call us on 0800 018 2138
Contact us using our form
