Bullying

Dealing with Bullying

Bullying can be a traumatic experience for a child or young person. It can cause them to feel isolated, scared, and vulnerable, affecting their confidence and self-esteem. It’s important to support them and provide them with the tools they need to cope and overcome the situation. Here are five top tips to support a child or young person who is experiencing bullying:

1. Listen to them: The first step in helping a child or young person who is being bullied is to listen to them. Allow them to talk about their experiences, feelings and concerns. Be patient, understanding, and non-judgmental. By being a good listener, you can help them feel heard and valued.
2. Empower them: Empower the child or young person by teaching them coping strategies and giving them control over their situation. Teach them how to communicate effectively, assert themselves, and stand up for themselves. Encourage them to seek help from trusted adults and peers.
3. Encourage them to speak up: Let the child or young person know that it’s okay to speak up about the bullying they are experiencing. Encourage them to report the bullying to a trusted teacher, school counselor, or another adult.
4. Support their self-esteem: Help the child or young person to focus on their strengths and positive qualities. Encourage them to pursue activities that they enjoy and that boost their self-esteem. This can help them feel more confident and resilient.
5. Get help: If the bullying is severe, or if the child or young person is struggling to cope, it’s important to seek professional help. Seek the advice of a mental health professional, who can provide them with the support and resources they need to overcome the situation.

In conclusion, it is important to provide a safe and supportive environment for a child or young person who is experiencing bullying. By listening to them, empowering them, encouraging them to speak up, supporting their self-esteem, and seeking help when necessary, we can help them overcome this traumatic experience.

References:

1. Stopbullying.gov (2020) “What you can do to help stop bullying”, https://www.stopbullying.gov/what-you-can-do/index.html
2. Mental Health Foundation (2019) “Bullying and Mental Health”, https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/bullying-and-mental-health
3. American Academy of Pediatrics (2019) “Bullying: Tips for Parents and Caregivers”, https://www.aap.org/en-us/families/tough-topics/Pages/Bullying-Tips-for-Parents-and-Caregivers.aspx
4. National Association of School Psychologists (2020) “Helping Children and Youth Who Are Bullied”, https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/bullying-prevention/helping-children-and-youth-who-are-bullied
5. American Psychological Association (2019) “What to do if your child is bullied”, https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/bullying.