What is Bullying?
Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior where on person (or a group of people) in a position of power deliberately intimidates, abuses, or coerces an individual with the intention to hurt that person physically or emotionally. Acts of bullying can be physical or verbal. Examples include: hitting, pushing, name-calling, making fun of others, gossiping, excluding others, spreading rumors and cyberbullying.
Sign and Symptoms to Look Out for If You Believe Your Child is Experiencing Bullying Behavior
Showing abrupt lack of interest in school or school refusal
Repeated headaches/stomach aches particularly in the morning
Withdrawing from family or school activities
Changes in personality (quieter or acting out for attention)
Declining grades
Defensive body language
Stopped doing activities they enjoy
Taking unusual route to school
Physical injuries not consistent with explanation
If you find out that your child is bullied:
Give a clear message that bullying is never OK.
Praise your child for telling you. Remind them that you need to know what is going on.
Tell them that it is not their fault and they have a right to feel safe.
Help your child to know who are the safe or trusted adults to go to (administration, school counselor, teachers).
Tell them to avoid places, if they can, where the bullying happens. Do activities near adults and other groups of people. Bullies tend to not act out around adults
Tell your child to use the “buddy system” so they are not alone. There is often safety in numbers.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the use of technology to intentionally harass, hurt, embarrass, humiliate, or intimidate another person.
What can Parents Do to Get Involved?
Keep computers in a shared space in your home – not in a child’s bedroom. Know everything that your child does online. Scanning the net can expose children to unwanted images and material.
Know usernames & passwords.
Stay up to date on the latest digital platforms and slang
Manage privacy settings and parental controls on your child’s online accounts, mobile apps, computers, and cell phones
Teach your children to never post or send anything they wouldn't want the entire world to see or read.
Establish rules and expectations about appropriate online behavior
Encourage your child to come to you if someone says or does something online that makes them uncomfortable.
If your child is a victim:
Cyberbullying can have negative consequences, such as low self- esteem and school avoidance. If your child tells you that he or she is being bullied online:
Listen and talk openly about the problem
Review safety and privacy settings on digital platforms
Block the cyberbully and report it to the digital platform
Collect evidence (i.e. frequency, screenshots)
Speak with school administration
