According to a recent psychology study conducted by UCLA, 20 percent of students in grades nine to 12 have been the victims of aggressive behavior and 28 percent of students in grades six to 12 reported that they experienced bullying. Many experts agree that children are bullied most during their middle school years. Typically, bullies target children who have low self-esteem and confidence because they can easily intimidate them. Parents who are worried about the effect bullying may have on their child can encourage resilience in the home and teach their child to handle the situation themselves.
Promote positivity
Although parenting involves setting boundaries for children, parents can prevent bullies from harassing their child by giving them opportunities to enjoy life. Additionally, parent should help their child know that they are on their side regardless of what happens and take the time to talk with their child about negative social situations. Children who know that they are supported fully by their family members usually feel more confident.
Explore areas of interest
Parents can help their child feel good about themselves by allowing them to participate in activities they enjoy. Although it may be difficult, parents should refrain from making their child take part in an activity that they think their child should do.
When the child chooses their activity, parents should be excited for their child and use this as an opportunity to teach their child mindfulness. For example, if their child accidentally misses a goal during a soccer game, parents can help them understand how they should appropriately react to the situation. This can help their child understand that they are always in control of their emotions.
Foster their problem-solving skills
Parents should refrain from giving their child all of the answers when a trying situation arises and help them explore all of the possible solutions. For instance, if a bully is pushing or shoving them on the playground, parents can ask their child whether they should ask the bully to stop, tell a teacher or resort to another method of action.
Set an example
Parents should keep in mind that how they react to difficult situations can impact how their child deals with a bully at school.
With these skills, a child may become more capable of dealing with bullies they encounter successfully. However, regardless of how a child handles a bullying situation, they can still be affected. Parents who believe their child has been negatively impacted by a bully may benefit from talking with an attorney who can help them understand what legal steps should be taken next.
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