Expert Opinion

How can I help my child cope with bullying?

11 Apr
Bullying, even in its early stages, can be really tough for kids and parents alike. If your child feels like they’re being treated unfairly, your first step is to listen and reassure them.

 

Create a safe space for your child to talk: ask open-ended questions like, “What happened today that made you feel upset?”.  Validate their feelings by saying, “That sounds really hard. I’m glad you told me.” Knowing you’re on their side is essential.

 

Teach your child assertiveness skills in an age-appropriate way. For example, you can role-play scenarios where they practise saying, “Stop! I don’t like that,” in a strong but calm voice. Give them phrases they can use, like, “That’s not kind,” or “Please leave me alone.”

We know that positive relationships can act as a buffer against bullying, so try to encourage building friendships with kind and supportive peers. Arrange playdates or connect with other parents to foster friendships with children who you think your child will connect with.

 

Work with the day care, preschool or school if the bullying persists. Approach teachers or staff to discuss what’s happening and ask how they’re addressing the situation. Most settings have clear policies for handling bullying and can help mediate or provide extra supervision.

 

Most importantly, build your child’s confidence at home. Praise their strengths and spend time doing activities they enjoy. When children feel good about themselves, they’re better equipped to handle difficult situations.

About the author

Amanda Abel is a paediatric psychologist, mum, and founder of Northern Centre for Child Development (NCCD) and Hawthorn Centre for Child Development (HCCD) – multidisciplinary paediatric practices in Melbourne. Working directly and indirectly with hundreds of clients each year, Amanda’s mission is for every child to achieve their best outcomes by equipping families and educators with the tools they need to help kids thrive.
Amanda draws on her own experiences of being a parent along with her extensive training and well-honed skill set to get families thriving. Having worked with families for almost two decades, as a psychologist for the past 11 years in a variety of settings, and a valued board member of the Autism Behavioural Intervention Association, Amanda loves building the confidence of the adults in the lives of children so that they can connect meaningfully, help them reach their full potential, and live a life that reflects their values.
Often appearing on Channel 7 and 9 News and regularly featuring in print media, Amanda is on a mission to make the world better for kids through her clinical work, consulting to some of the biggest global toy manufacturers and educating the digital media industry about making the internet safer for kids.
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova