How to Help a Child Who is Being Bullied

How to Help a Child Who is Being Bullied

Bullying is an age-old problem.  It was once the mistaken belief that bullying is a natural part of growing up. There is a renewed emphasis on creating a safe learning environment for all students.  This link provides supports for the position that bullying is not acceptable or a normal behavior: https://www.justsayyes.org/bullying/is-bullying-normal-behavior/. Bullying harms academic success and injures the emotional well-being of the victim.  In order to help a child who is being bullied parents and educators must be able to identify signs that indicate a problem is taking place. They must be aware of subtle changes in the child’s behavior, which signal bullying.  You should not make comments or actions that appear to blame the victim. Prompt and caring intervention by adults and peers can help a child who is being bullied. 

School personnel should work cooperatively to create a school environment that identifies bullying as an unacceptable behavior.   Students and all members of the school community must have the same understanding about what bullying is in order to identify when it takes place.  Bullying is intentional and repeated verbal, physical, or emotional harassment.  It can involve an imbalance of power including a smaller or younger person who is the recipient of the bullying acts.  Bullying is a major problem and the following link contains a wealth of information that can be used to help a child who is being bullied:  http://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying/definition/. Victims should remember that bullying does not occur because they did something wrong.  The bully is the person who exhibits inappropriate behavior not the victim. Bullies have a need to appear powerful and often display control and domination over others. The victim should not feel that he is to blame for this problem.   This information should be clearly communicated to minimize the negative emotions associated with victimization.  Positive reinforcement and concern for the victim will help a child who is being bullied to feel they are not alone in this situation.

Everyone in the school community must feel a responsibility to help a child who is being bullied.  There are strategies, which can help a child who is being bullied. Children should be instructed to walk away from the bully.  Remaining in the bully’s presence allows him to continue the intimidation.   A bullied child should avoid being alone. Walking with a friend gives emotional support for the victim and provides another witness when bullying happens:  http://www.violencepreventionworks.org/public/recognizing_bullying.page.  This simple show of support decreases the bully’s power and helps a child who is being bullied to shake off feelings of loneliness and helplessness.  Documenting the issues by writing down what, when and where the bullying occurs is extremely important.  This list of occurrences can assist school administrators in responding to the bullying behavior and help a child who is being bullied to feel secure in the school environment.

Bullying creates problems throughout the school community… it is everyone’s responsibility to take action to help a child who is being bullied.