What to Do if Your Child is Being Bullied at School

Author: Bethany Spencer

Posted: 20 Nov 2015

Estimated time to read: 3 mins

Satchel looks at what measures can be taken if your child is being bullied at school. Bullying is often caused by an imbalance of power either perceived or real. It is the repeated intent to cause harm or upset another person.Concept of accusation guilty person girl. Side profile sad upset woman looking down many fingers pointing at her back isolated on grey office wall background. Human face expression emotion feeling.jpeg
As a parent, the thought of your child being bullied is one of the worst things imaginable. However, Bullying.co.uk states that over half of all children will be involved with bullying in one way or another. Be that as a victim, witness or perpetrator. This means that the likelihood of your child being involved in some form of bullying is high.

It’s not always easy to spot signs of bullying as children are keen to hide the fact that they’re being bullied as they tend to feel that it’s their fault or are embarrassed. Keeping an eye out for signs of bullying means that you can help put a stop to bullying and breach the conversation with your child, offering them an opportunity to open up and talk.

Signs of bullying

  • A change in mood

  • Loss of or change in appetite

  • Bruises or marks on their body

  • Missing or damaged clothing or possessions

  • Sleeping badly and having bad dreams

  • Worrying about school or trying to make up excuses to not attend

  • Wetting the bed 

If you’re worried that your child may be being bullied and can spot these signs, talk to them and if they are being bullied reassure them that it isn’t their fault. Try, hard as it may be, to not show that you’re angry or upset. It’s important to tell you child not to rise to the bullies, to try and be confident and not react.

All schools by law, have an anti-bullying policy. If the bullying is persistent, talking to your child’s teacher can help to stop it. They will have measures in place to help children who are being bullied and speak to those who are the perpetrators.

There will be children in school who act as playground buddies and will be able to make your child feel welcomed, and lunchtime supervisors can be more informed so they know to keep an eye out.

Charging in and demanding to see the bullies parents can make matters worse and embarrass your child - the key is to work with your school. They will feel as strongly about the situations as you do.


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