Bullying Awareness: How to Help Your Child with Bullying
Bullying has become a real problem for teens and young adults, particularly in a society where social media and technology now play such a large role in their lives. Unrealistic standards of beauty, intelligence, and popularity can put a lot of pressure on them and make them feel like they don’t measure up. When combined with the power of social media, these feelings can lead to bullying behaviors. Now is as good of a time as ever to talk to your kids about bullying and how to deal with it.
According to the National Bullying Prevention Center, “Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.”
Signs That Your Child Is Being Bullied
Your child may not be willing to tell you that they are being bullied. They may have been threatened not to tell anyone, or they may be too embarrassed or ashamed of it to bring it up. Keep a look out for some of these signs that may mean your child is being bullied:
- They seem withdrawn, sad, or angry after using social media
- Lost or destroyed belongings
- Poor sleep habits
- Sudden loss of friends or social isolation
- Changes in eating habits
- Avoiding school or other activities
- Plummeting grades
- Suddenly exhibiting anxiety or fearfulness
What You Can Do to Help
If you suspect that your child is being bullied, the best thing you can do is talk to them about it. It can be difficult for children to open up about what they’re going through, so be patient and try to create a safe and welcoming environment where they feel comfortable talking. Once you’ve talked to your child and confirmed that they are being bullied, there are a few steps you can take to help them.
First, you should reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor. They may be able to help resolve the situation or offer guidance on how best to proceed. You should also document everything that is happening; keep track of any incidents (including dates, times, locations, and witnesses), as well as any communication with school officials. This documentation will be important if you need to take further action. Additionally, try to help your child build up their self-esteem and find positive coping mechanisms for dealing with stress; this will make them stronger and more resilient in the face of bullying.
What Steps Can You Take to Prevent Bullying?
In addition to helping your child if they are being bullied, there are steps you can take to prevent bullying from happening in the first place. Start by talking to your kids about what bullying is and why it’s wrong. Help them to understand that everyone is different and that we should all be treated with respect. Encourage them to stand up for themselves and others if they see someone being bullied and teach them how to safely report bullying behavior. Finally, be a good role model yourself by treating others with kindness and respect.
Bullying is a serious issue, but it’s one that we can all help to address. By talking to our kids about bullying and taking action to prevent it, we can make a difference.
If your child is being bullied and it is beginning to affect their mental health, call Dayrise Wellness today. We provide mental health therapy for teens and young adults in a safe and supportive environment. Our team of experienced therapists can help your child to heal from the effects of bullying and build up their resilience so that they can thrive at school and elsewhere. Call us today to learn more or click here to get started.