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Bullying can have lasting effects on a child’s mental and emotional health. As parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in preventing bullying by creating a supportive, open, and inclusive environment. Here are six essential strategies to help guide you through this process.
Build a Strong Relationship
Children who feel loved, supported, and understood are less likely to bully or be bullied.
- Look. Listen. Love. Be present in your child’s life—take the time to notice their behavior, listen to their concerns, and express unconditional love.
- Engage in daily conversations and ask open-ended questions about their day, friendships, and feelings.
Teach Empathy and Emotional Skills
Encouraging your child to understand and express their emotions helps prevent bullying and builds resilience.
- Talk about feelings—name them, validate them, and offer healthy ways to cope.
- Role-play scenarios where your child might witness or experience bullying. Help them think through how they can respond with empathy and courage.
Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries
Children thrive with clear guidelines for acceptable behavior, both at home and in social settings.
- Establish family rules around respect, kindness, and inclusion. Reinforce these values consistently and with warmth.
- Monitor your child’s use of technology. Cyberbullying is a growing concern, so make sure your child understands the importance of being respectful online.
Encourage Positive Friendships
Peers play a major role in shaping your child’s social experiences.
- Promote healthy friendships by encouraging your child to spend time with positive, supportive peers.
- Teach them to stand up for themselves and others in a non-aggressive way. Being a good friend can sometimes mean stopping bullying when it happens.
Keep Communication Open
Make it easy for your child to come to you if they are experiencing or witnessing bullying.
- Check in regularly—ask if they’ve noticed any bullying behaviors at school, on the bus, or online.
- Remind them that it’s always safe to talk to you or another trusted adult if something is bothering them.
Watch these videos to learn what bullying is and share with your child of any age.
Conversation starters about “bullying”
- What does ‘bullying” mean to you?
- Why do you think people bully other people?
- Who would you talk to if someone was bullying you or you saw someone be bullied?
- Do you ever see any other children be bullied? How does it make you feel?
- What would you do if you saw someone be bullied?
What to Do If Your Child Is Bullied
- Stay calm and listen without judgment.
- Gather details—who, what, where, and when. Document any incidents.
- Work with the school to develop a plan that keeps your child safe and addresses the bullying behavior.
- Reassure your child that they are loved and supported, and that you will help them navigate this.
By taking these steps, you help create a world where every child feels safe, respected, and valued. Preventing bullying begins at home, with small, everyday actions that make a big difference.