Helping your child to deal with bullying

Bullying is a common experience for many children and adolescents. Surveys show that nearly half of all children being bullied at some time during their school years, and at least 10% are regularly bullied. Bullying behavior can be physically or verbally. Males tend to be physical intimidation or threats, regardless of the gender of their victims to use. The harassment of girls is more often verbal, usually with another girl as the target. Recently, even bullying reported in the online chat rooms and e-mail. Children who are bullied experience real suffering that can interfere with social and emotional development and school performance.

Some victims of bullying have even attempted suicide rather than continue to face prosecution and punishment. Children and adolescents who bully thrive on controlling or dominating others. They are often victims of physical violence or bullying themselves. Bullies may also feel depressed, angry or upset about events at school or at home. Children targeted by bullies also tend to fit a certain profile. Bullies often choose children who are passive, easily intimidated, or have few friends. Victims may also be smaller or younger, and are more difficult to defend. If you suspect that your child is bullying others, it is important to look for him or her to help as quickly as possible.  

Without intervention, bullying can lead to serious academic, social, emotional and legal. Talk to your child's pediatrician, teacher, director, school counselor or doctor. If the harassment continues, a comprehensive evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health services be established. The evaluation can help you and your child understand what is causing the bullying, and help you develop a plan to stop the destructive behavior. If you suspect that your child is a victim of bullying ask him to tell what's going on. You can help by providing many opportunities to talk with you openly and honestly. It is also important to respond positively and acceptance. Let your child know it's not their fault, and that he or she was right to tell you. 

Other specific suggestions include the following: 
* Ask your child what he or she thinks should be done. What has been tried? What works and why not?  
* Seek help from a teacher of your child or school counselor. Most bullying occurs on playgrounds, in lunchrooms and bathrooms, on school buses or monitoring rooms. Ask school to find out about programs other schools and communities have used to combat bullying, such as peer mediation, conflict resolution, anger management training and help, and more adult supervision.  
* Do not encourage your child to defend themselves. Instead, they suggest that he or she tries to run away to avoid the bully or seek help from a teacher, coach or other adult.  
* Help your child practice what to tell the bully that he or she be prepared next time. 
* Help your child to be assertive. Just insist that the bully leave him alone a surprising effect. Explain to your child that the bully true purpose is to achieve a response.  
* Encourage your child to travel with friends to and from school, while shopping or other outings. Bullies are less likely to choose a child in a group. If your child is withdrawn, depressed or reluctant to go to school, or if you see a decline in school performance, additional consultation or intervention may be necessary. A child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health services can help your child and family and school to tackle bullying strategy development. Seek professional help before you run the risk of lasting emotional consequences for your child to decrease. 
 

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