The start of school means colds and cases of the flu are rampant among students. So too are judgments, bullying, and negative thoughts. Children are subject to their peers’ judgments, thoughts, and actions. Not every child can handle the negative comments or actions directed at him or her, and so it is important that you help your child become “immune” to the negativity around them.
Children and adolescents do not fully understand the perspectives of their peers. They may not understand how bullying may hurt others. They may also be unaware of how to deal with being bullied. They may even think that such actions and comments are normal. Helping your child understand what bullying is, why it is inappropriate, as well as how to embrace that everyone is different, will be important for the wellbeing of all.
Here are some suggestions to help your child understand bullying:
- Talk about what is a compliment, question or action that boosts someone up
- Help them see perspective through analyzing videos, or role play
- Help them to see what it good about themselves
- Evaluate your own actions, statements and interactions to make sure you are not unintentionally modelling bullying behaviour.
- Identify who your child should talk to about bullying (ie parents, teachers, bus driver, etc)