By Sydney Lawniczak

Bullying is a serious problem that affects many children. Recent studies show that around 20% of students nationwide ages 12-18 reported being bullied. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicide in extreme cases. As a parent, it can be difficult to see your child go through this pain and not know how to help. Here are some ways you can support your child if they experience bullying at school.

Teach Your Child to Identify Bullying

It’s important that your child understands what bullying is, so they can recognize it and report it. Explain that bullying is any behavior that is meant to hurt or harm someone repeatedly. Encourage your child to speak up if they see others being bullied, and to tell their teacher if they themselves are experiencing it. Sometimes, it can be hard for kids to know what is bullying, and what is rude or unkind behavior. Create a safe space for them in the home so they can process what has been happening, and get your feedback on next courses of action.

Monitor Your Child’s Online Activities

Online bullying is also known as cyberbullying. It is one of the most significant areas for adolescent bullying. Children can bully and spread rumors and hurtful comments with ease while remaining anonymous. Teach your children about privacy and the importance of not giving their personal information to strangers online. Remind them that, even with apps like Snapchat and Discord, privacy is not necessarily guaranteed. Help them understand the dangers of cyberbullying and monitor their online activities.

Empower Your Child to Respond

In some situations, your child might be able to handle bullying on their own by setting appropriate boundaries. Teach them to respond calmly and with confidence. For example, they can say something like “I don’t like it when you do that. Please stop.” You can help your child practice these responses at home.

Work with the School

It’s important to communicate with your child’s school if bullying is becoming a problem. Ask them to take immediate action to prevent the bullying from continuing, and to support your child emotionally. Schools often have anti-bullying policies in place that can provide guidance on how to address the situation.

Help Your Child Build Self-Esteem

By helping your child build their self-esteem, you can decrease the likelihood that they will be targeted, or that they won’t feel confident setting boundaries if they need to. Encourage them to participate in activities that they enjoy and that make them feel confident. Praise their strengths and accomplishments, and let them know that you love and support them no matter what.

 Seek Professional Help if Necessary

If your child is deeply affected by the bullying and is showing signs of anxiety or depression, it may be necessary to seek professional help. A child therapist can help your child develop coping skills and offer support through this difficult time.

Conclusion

Bullying is a serious problem, but as a parent, you can help your child navigate it. By teaching your child to identify bullying, monitoring online activity, empowering them to respond, working with the school, building their self-esteem, and seeking professional help if necessary, you can support your child and help them find a resolution to their problem. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you and your child through dealing with bullying.

For more information on school bullying policies, procedures, and ways to report: Hillsborough County Schools, Pasco County, Schools, Pinellas County Schools

INTERESTED IN GETTING STARTED WITH A THERAPIST IN TAMPA, FL?

Supporting your child when they are being bullied at school can be difficult. Our therapists can help you in your parenting journey at both our South Tampa, FL and  North Tampa, FL offices. To start gaining the tools needed for competent parenting, follow these simple steps: 

Contact Christian Counseling of Tampa or call us at 813-254-3200.

Schedule to meet with one of our counselors at our North or South office.

Start developing skills to greater support your child.

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING OF TAMPA 

Our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice offers a wide range of services to meet your specific needs. We understand the many ways your mental health may be impacted in life. As a result, our team is happy to also offer play therapy, anxiety treatment, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, counseling for teens and young adults, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, EFT, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today.