eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Take Action When Your Child is Being Bullied

Member
By Jennifer W.
User-Submitted Article
(0 Ratings)
If your child is being bullied, find out what you can do to help him.
If your child is being bullied, find out what you can do to help him.

Is your child being bullied? Bullies just aren't at school anymore, they're everywhere. Targeted children are scared, frightful of what a bully is capable of. Although you can't be with them every waking moment, there are some things you can do. Take control, as a parent, and enforce your child's rights.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Tell your child to use the one friend rule. He should have one friend with them at all times.

    Targets are usually caught alone, and helpless, especially when there are several bullies together. Your child needs someone, a friend, with him, whether he's playing in the park, or moving from class to class.

    Children that aren't popular, the "outcasts," especially need someone with them. If they have just one friend, that is enough. Bullies find strength in their own numbers. This is not so when the numbers are turned around.

  2. Step 2

    Explain to your child that he should not react, if possible.

    When a child is being bullied, the aggressor is looking for a specific reaction. Bullies look for reactions such as shying away, backing down, and fright. Encourage your child to not react, even if he is scared.

    Most aggressive children that don't get the reaction they intend on, find someone else to target.

  3. Step 3

    Contact the authorities.

    The word authority can mean many different things in this situation, depending on the intensity of the problem. At the very least, speak with the school counselor about your child being bullied.

    If the aggression is physical, contact your local police department. Have a sit down with an officer, to see what needs to be done. If an officer shows up at a bully's home, he himself is frightened.

    On another note, don't contact the parents. Most parents are going to side with their own child. This just aggravates the bully, leaving him free to intensify his crusade. After all, mom believes him.

  4. Step 4

    Keep accurate records.

    Although this may seem silly to you, it's useful. Keeping notes on a daily basis allows you, and anyone else, to see a pattern of your child being bullied.

    Should something happen, and the bully's actions intensify, you have records. Records serve an important purpose for authorities, allowing them to see the length of time, the action, and other important information.

    Be sure to record the time, date, actions, and the reaction of your child.

Tips & Warnings
  • Bullies want control, foremost. Taking control away leaves them as helpless as their target.
  • Keep an open communication with your child.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Parenting
Judy Ford,

Meet Judy Ford eHow's Parenting Expert.

Get Free Parenting Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Parenting
eHow_eHow Parenting, Relationships and Family