Bullying Prevention Tips for Parents

How to talk with your child about bullying

Start the conversation and discuss the possibility that your child may be bullied

If your child shows any of these signs, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is being bullied, but the possibility is worth exploring. What should you do?

• First, talk with your child. Tell your child that you are concerned and that you'd like to help.
• After you've talked with your child, talk with staff at school to learn more.

Here are some questions that can get the discussion going between you and your child:

• "I'm worried about you. Are there any kids at school who may be picking on you?"
• "Are there any kids at school who tease you in a mean way?"
• "Are there any kids at school who leave you out or exclude you on purpose?"

Some subtle questions:

• "Do you have any special friends at school ? Who are they? Who do you hang out with?"
• "Who do you sit with at lunch and on the bus?"
• "Are there any kids at school who you really don't like? Why don't you like them? Do they ever pick on you or leave you out of things?"

This material was organized by Shiryl Pritts, Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at the Windber Research Institute. It was resourced from Take a Stand, Lend a Hand Stop Bullying Now! U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration campaign on bullying awareness. (http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov)