Childhood bullying is a serious problem that many children face. Parents often can’t figure out how to help and worry about making the issue worse. Children with learning disabilities often are targeted, and parents tend to want to protect their kids from any extra trouble at school. You might, for example, want to keep your child home from school to give him or her a break from the bully. Your child might even ask you to let him stay home, or express a desire to never go to school again.
This is the wrong approach. Instead, gently ask your child about the bullying situation, and keep contact with the school to find out if and when the behavior stops. Youngsters might be reticent to talk about the bullying because they feel like they’re “tattling” on fellow classmates. Both parents and educators need to make it clear to all children that seeking adult help for a problem like bullying is not the same as “tattling” on someone.
Teaching kids to fight back or run away also won’t help. Instead, encourage your child to find a buddy she can walk to class with or eat lunch with. The presence of more people can deter some bullies. How much do you know about helping children deal with bullies at school? You might be surprised by the misinformation you currently believe. Get the facts about bullying and learn how to effectively help. Take the Health IQ Quiz, Childhood Help: Strategies for Bullying, for more information.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
