How to Teach Your Children to Protect Themselves From School Bullies

Work with your child so he won't become a victim of bullying.

Many parents share the experience of a child running into their arms in tears after being bullied. If such problems continue, you should consider teaching your child to protect himself from school bullies. That doesn't mean escalating the situation and making matters worse by encouraging the child to fight back, but it likely requires a change in self-image.

Instructions

1. Encourage your child to tell an adult when she is being bullied. That adult can be the teacher or another adult she trusts at school. Many kids feel ashamed about the bullying because they feel weak and helpless about it. Teach your kids at a young age to approach an adult or teacher when experiencing abusive behavior from another student.

2. Find a "buddy" for your child -- someone to walk with him to school and to your home. Many children who walk alone are frequent targets of bullies because they are alone and have no support.

3. Think about enrolling your child in a self-defense class. Although this seems like an extreme measure, such a class may teach the child discipline and confidence that will allow him to deal with the bully in the right way. It will also let him approach the situation more maturely once he sees that bullying really is a childish thing to do.

4. Let school officials know when your child is being bullied. Because your kids are in the school's care most of the day, school personnel can better deal with the situation and the student bully whenever problems arise. The school may even address this concern by setting up a mediation program to resolve the conflict.

5. Teach your child to maintain her composure when in the presence of a bully. Advise her to say something like, "I've had enough" and leave. Tell her to stay with a group of trusted friends while on the school grounds or on the bus.

6. Boost your child's confidence and self-esteem by getting him involved in sports or music. This will allow him to find new friendships and improve social skills.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Bullying: Help Your Child Handle a School Bully