It is an unfortunate fact that bullying in schools is quite common and very hard to eradicate. That’s why it’s important to open up conversations with your children about bullying. Here’s how to talk to your kid about bullying.
Preventative Talking
It’s important to instill anti-bullying values in your kids from a young age. This can be done through asking them how they would feel if someone picked on them, and by showing them through your actions and stories that standing up to bullying is an admirable thing to do. You could also introduce them to books or television series that have an anti-bullying message and then discuss it with them.
Ask Your Kids to Maintain an Open Dialogue
A lot of the time, it can be difficult for kids to open up to their parents about bullying as it can feel embarrassing and upsetting. This is why it’s a good idea to try and open this dialogue with your child and let them know you want them to talk to you.
Encourage Them When They Speak to You About It
If your child comes to you and wants to speak about their experience of bullying, it’s important to praise them and let them know you are glad they spoke to you about it. This reinforces this habit of maintaining an open dialogue with your child and will hopefully mean they hold fewer secrets about their time at school.