Parenting tips: How to deal with bullying

Bullying can seriously affect children’s wellbeing, confidence, and mental health – whether they’re being bullied, witnessing it, showing bullying behaviours themselves, or sometimes all three.

That’s why the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action (August 11-15) and its powerful theme ‘Be bold. Be kind. Speak up’ is a timely call to action for families, schools, and communities to flex their kindness muscles to stop bullying in its tracks.

With around one in four school-aged children reporting being bullied, there’s rising concern for kids’ mental health and wellbeing. Building children’s emotional and social development has never been more critical.

Teaching positive life skills

The good news? While children aren't born with emotional and social skills, parents and carers can help kids practice and build these important abilities. Encourage your child to:

• Think about other people's feelings and how their behaviour impacts others

• Look at and listen when friends or others are talking

• Take turns in games and activities, asking what other children would like to do rather than assuming they'll follow

• Be supportive by being friendly and including others

• Be a positive and healthy digital citizen

• Stay calm under pressure and solve problems in helpful ways

Parents as role models

Parents are perfectly positioned to model the kindness culture we want to see. Remember, your own behaviour, especially when tired or frustrated, shows how to treat others with respect.

When bullying occurs

Children shouldn’t be left to deal with bullying on their own. When adults are aware of what is happening, they can watch more closely, act quickly, and help children learn new skills to prevent and respond to bullying. If your child is experiencing bullying, create a positive, safe environment by calmly listening and encouraging them to describe exactly what happened.

Seek support

For ongoing concerns, reach out to your school, teacher, or principal. You can also speak with your GP, a psychologist, or a school counsellor. These supports help families work through what's happening, build their child's coping skills and confidence, or take further action if needed.

Triple P’s free online support helps families across Australia to raise resilient, happy children. Learn more at: triplep-parenting.net.au