1. Listen
Try to listen to the whole story without interrupting. Be empathic, calm and validate what is being said. Ask what your child would like to happen, before you make suggestions.
2. Talk
Have a conversation about what happened. Try not to make the conversation intense or you might deter your child from talking to you. Remind your child it's normal to feel hurt, it's never OK to be bullied, and it's NOT their fault.
3. Find out what is happening
Note what, when and where the bullying occurred, who was involved, how often and if anybody else witnessed it. Don't offer to confront the person yourself.
4. Contact the school
Check your school's bullying policy. Find out if the school is aware of the bullying and whether anything has been done to address the situation. Make an appointment to speak to your child's teacher or coordinator. Try to make a follow-up appointment to ensure the situation is being addressed.
5. Give sensible advice
Encourage your child not to fight back, but coach them to use neutral or, if appropriate, joking language in response. Help them explore other possible responses.
•Tell them that the behaviour was intentional and it won't just go away
•Explain it's safer to avoid people, places or situations that could expose them to further bullying
•If your child asks to stay home from school, explain that it won't help - and may make things worse
•If possible, help to make opportunities for them to join other groups of young people - e.g. clubs at school or other groups outside of school time.
Try to listen to the whole story without interrupting. Be empathic, calm and validate what is being said. Ask what your child would like to happen, before you make suggestions.
2. Talk
Have a conversation about what happened. Try not to make the conversation intense or you might deter your child from talking to you. Remind your child it's normal to feel hurt, it's never OK to be bullied, and it's NOT their fault.
3. Find out what is happening
Note what, when and where the bullying occurred, who was involved, how often and if anybody else witnessed it. Don't offer to confront the person yourself.
4. Contact the school
Check your school's bullying policy. Find out if the school is aware of the bullying and whether anything has been done to address the situation. Make an appointment to speak to your child's teacher or coordinator. Try to make a follow-up appointment to ensure the situation is being addressed.
5. Give sensible advice
Encourage your child not to fight back, but coach them to use neutral or, if appropriate, joking language in response. Help them explore other possible responses.
•Tell them that the behaviour was intentional and it won't just go away
•Explain it's safer to avoid people, places or situations that could expose them to further bullying
•If your child asks to stay home from school, explain that it won't help - and may make things worse
•If possible, help to make opportunities for them to join other groups of young people - e.g. clubs at school or other groups outside of school time.