Helping Kids who are being bullied! STOP Child Bullying!
In our continuation of the Child Bullying series, we’ve already dealt into the basics of why child bullies, what its symptoms are and how to STOP Child bullying . Now comes the other side of the coin, when we see our kids as a “victim” of child bullying. We can really help other kids also, if they are undergoing such a rough patch. But for this, what we need to know are the signs to know that a child is the being bullied and the need to initiate the corrective actions.
Your child may have never resorted to any unruly behaviour, but something might be happening in their lives, which they would have been worried about. Yes, they can be victims of Bully!
Identify, if your kids are being bullied :
- Tries to cut off self from social world
- Wants to be left alone, seems stressed
- Behavioural changes (while going to school/after internet time – in case of cyber bullying)
- Panics and refuses to go to school or in School transport
- Asking for a change from the normal routine
- Tries to stay away from friends
- Deteriorating performance in school
- Sudden bouts of anger or frustrations
Usually kids who are being bullied feel ashamed of speaking about it to their parents and think that no one can really help them out. They keep things inside their hearts which results in many serious psychological implications. Hence it is must to identify when the children are being bullied and a firm action plan needs to be drawn.
How to deal with victims of bully :
1.Talk, talk and talk :
Talking and discussing with kids is the best way to help them speak up their hearts. Try to sense the things and talk calmly. Offer them the comfort they need and tell them never to feel embarrassed. Make them acknowledged of the fact that many kids get bullied, the only thing is to take corrective measure at the right time.
2. Speak to School authority :
If your child is being bullied at school, speak up to the authorities. Don’t speak to the parents of the child who is bullying directly. If you still wish to go for it, speak in front of a counsellor or school mediator who knows both sides of the story.
3. Do not respond to Bully :
We’ll things look tempting, to respond with bad feelings to the bully. But that’s what bullies thrive upon. The best way is to walk away, ignore the bully and not respond at all. Avoiding bully and not reacting to their remarks is the best strategy. If a bully is nearby, change your route.
4. Try to be in a group :
Group up with good buddies in the areas where you can find bully, as in playground or in bus. And Ignore the sight of bully, use your time for some creative activities. Refrain from anger, its easier said than followed, but try your best. Say No to crying, as all these reactions make bully feel more strong and they are propelled to continue their action and feel the pleasure out of your pain.
5. Practise the calming strategies :
There are many calming strategies as deep breathing, using your mind for some creative skills, write down your feelings and so on.
6. Be firm and take your stand :
Once ask the bully to stop all the remarks and hurting sentiments. Remember, it should be conveyed in a strong manner and not by being emotional or speaking while crying. Just say that and then move away and involve yourself in things you like. Ignorance is indeed a bliss here and it will definitely distract the bully.
7. Speak to teachers/ Principal and Parents :
Don’t feel embarrassed of being bullied. Have a strong head and discuss it out with teachers and your parents to get a solution. Elders are always there to support the right person. Never be afraid to seek help from them.
8. Engage socially :
Spend more time with your friends, parents, who love you and ignite a sense of positivity in yourself. It is must to engage bullied person in some sports or group activities to feel motivated. Discourage the feeling of loneliness, involve kids into generous acts, make them strong headed!
I believe that these ideas, might help our kids to even STOP BULLYING wherever they see. It’s a negative feeling and act and we, as parents should completely refrain our kids from engaging into it.
I would like my readers to share their opinion on how to help a victim of Child Bully, so as to help create an awareness and protect our kids from the negative influence.
This post is written as a part of the #AlexaTheIncredible campaign hosted by #womenbloggerwb”
Happy Parenting,
View Comments (25)
These tips are really helpful. Parents should build the self confidence in kids so that they can tackle every situation.
Extremely insightful and well-written post. Child bullying is such an important and pertinent problem in school today. Thank you for writing this post. Keep writing :)
Very important tips you have given here. I will go with 'be confident and take your stand ' point .. lovely reading this.
So horrible when kids have to go through this and they are often afraid to say something because it might make matters worse. What a great list.
You’re probably not going to like this but it worked. My son transferred to a new school and experienced bullying in 5th grade. We talked to the teachers, and the principal multiple times and continued Day after day. The principal lived across the street from us even! We were friends! Finally, we gave my son a few lessons on what to do the next time it happened. A boy punched my son in recess when no one was looking, and so my son punched him back. It ended up in a fight. They both got suspended for a day. No one EVER messed with my son again. The school never intervened for us so we had to let my son take care of it. That was 15 yrs ago. Hopefully things have changed now.
Oh , ya Frankly I would not want to indulge in that fight, but then yes, I think basis the circumstances, kids need to take the right action. But I'm happy that it all ended up, and your son was confident enough to take that action!
Great post, love more awareness on bullying!
Thank you for sharing these tips! I'm not a parent, but as a teacher I have to be prepared to deal with kids and this information helps a lot!
Great tips. I worry a lot about bullying as a mum of four. I think having an open relationship with your kids to discuss this is a great starting point.
Great tips here, great that you’re helping spread awareness and giving people advice. We need more of this! And hopefully one day, this won’t be so much of an issue
Bullies also have issues being faced in their own homes that's why they take it out on those who are outside their own circle and someone they can pick on. These advise will help handle bullies but let's not forget to consider helping the bullies themselves.