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Guiding Your Child to Understand and Handle Bullying

Updated: Sep 28

Bullying is a challenge that many children face, and it can have a lasting impact on their confidence and well-being. As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your child navigate these situations with strength and resilience. This blog post explores how you can guide your child to understand and respond to bullying in a healthy and empowering way.


Help Your Child Recognise Bullying


Teaching your child to identify bullying behaviors is the first step in empowering them to deal with bullying. Here are some common forms of bullying:


  • Physical: This includes hitting, pushing, or damaging belongings. It often happens in playgrounds or during sports activities.

Eye-level view of a child alone on a school playground

  • Verbal: Verbal bullying may involve name-calling, teasing, or making threats. Children might experience this during conversations or in more public settings like classrooms.

  • Social: This form of bullying can include excluding someone from a group or spreading rumors. Social bullying is often insidious as it attacks a child’s social connections.

  • Online (Cyberbullying): This includes sending hurtful messages, sharing private information, or posting mean comments on social media platforms. With today’s technology, it can extend beyond the school day.


Explain to your child that bullying is never their fault. Stress the importance of speaking up if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Encourage them to express their feelings, and let them know that seeking help is always the right choice.


Equip Your Child with Tools to Respond


Once your child recognizes bullying, equip them with practical tools to respond. Role-playing different scenarios can be a fantastic way to prepare your child for real-life situations. Practice assertive responses such as:


  • “Stop, I don’t like that.” This statement sets a clear boundary.

  • Walking away confidently. Sometimes, removing themselves from the situation is the best course of action.


Let your child know that if a situation escalates, seeking help from a trusted adult is crucial. This could be a teacher, counselor, or another responsible adult they feel comfortable with.


Close-up view of a classroom with students discussing

Reinforce Their Self-Worth Through Faith


In today’s world, self-worth can sometimes be tied to external validation. Help your child understand that their value comes from within and, for many, this is grounded in their faith. Share scriptures like:


"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." — Psalm 139:14

Remind them that they are loved and accepted just as they are. This affirmation can serve as a powerful reminder when facing bullying. Encourage them to reflect on their strengths and talents. Just as a pearl is formed through irritation, your child can find beauty and resilience in their experiences.


Partner with Teachers and School Staff


Take an active role in your child's school environment by partnering with teachers and school staff. If your child expresses concerns about bullying, reach out to their teacher or school counselor. Share your worries and work together to find solutions.


Being involved in your child’s school life not only helps in monitoring the situation but also shows your child that they have support from both home and school. Staff members can implement strategies to address bullying and foster a safe environment for all students.


High angle view of a school building with students playing outside

Create a Safe Space at Home


Your home should be a sanctuary for your child—a place where they feel loved, supported, and heard. Make it a habit to encourage open communication. Here are some actionable steps you can take:


  • Set aside time to talk: Whether it’s during dinner or at bedtime, create opportunities for your child to share their day.

  • Listen without judgment: Make sure your child knows they can come to you with worries without fear of being scolded or dismissed.

  • Validate their feelings: Remind them that it’s okay to feel upset or scared and that these feelings are important.


Creating a nurturing environment at home helps build your child’s confidence and resilience against bullying.


Emphasize the Power of Community


Children are more capable of handling bullying when they know they are not alone. Encourage your child to build friendships and foster a support network with caring peers. Involve them in community activities such as sports, clubs, or charitable work, where they can meet friends and feel less isolated.


Teach them to act with empathy and kindness, which in turn helps them stand against bullying and promotes a culture of respect and support.


Take This With You


Empowering your child to face bullying with confidence starts with your support. Together, you can help them navigate these challenges and grow stronger. Encourage them to develop their voice, seek help, and recognize their worth.


Pause, Reflect, Journal


✍🏽 Journal Prompt: How can you help your child feel safe and confident in their environment this week? Reflect on your child's needs, and write down steps you can take.


Your Next Step


Take the next step toward supporting your child:


By implementing these strategies, you are not just teaching your child how to handle bullying, you are instilling lifelong skills that promote resilience, empathy, and self-esteem. Your involvement and support are crucial as they navigate this challenging aspect of growing up.

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