back off

The problem of children picking on one another, or bullying, is a long-running problem faced by most parents of school-aged kids. A victim of physical, verbal or social bullying often feels helpless.

When a child is confronted with bullying, there are a number of steps a parent can take to confront the problem.

• Teach your child to look a bully in the eye and stand his or her ground. Impart the importance of remaining calm when faced with a difficult situation.

• Let a child know that it’s always a good idea to walk away from a bully’s taunt.

• Teach your child how to say in a firm voice, “I don’t like what you are doing” or “Please do not talk to me like that.” A verbal confrontation can turn the tables on a bully quickly.

• Teach your child when and how to ask for help.

• Encourage your child to make friends with other children.

• Support activities that interest your child, whether creative, analytical or athletic in nature.

• Alert school officials to the bully problems, and work with them on solutions. Also, alert other adults to a bully situation and encourage them to look out for your child’s safety.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics