FACT: Bullying goes on in all schools and places of work.
FACT: Bullies have often been bullied themselves.
FACT: Bullying destroys self esteem.
FACT: Bullying thrives on secrecy.
FACT: The best approach is "Speak out, Don't hit out".
Fear of going to school. A miserable withdrawn child. Damaged or missing possessions. A child carrying books for others. An isolated or depressed child. A sudden drop in school performance. A child begging to stay off or arriving at school late. A hungry child who has "lost" their dinner money. Sudden requests for money or money going missing. There may be other reasons for these but check for bullying.
Tell the school even if you only suspect bullying. Tell your child that being bullied is not their fault. Tell them you are there to support them. Let your child know you are on their side. Discuss ways to avoid being bullied. Talk to them and encourage them to talk to you. Help them with simple responses to taunts. Tell them to ignore bullies. Teach them to say "No" firmly and walk away. Help your child's self esteem by praising them at every opportunity. Check if they have done anything that may have started the bullying.
Try to be calm. Try not to become angry or defensive. Ask exactly what they have being doing. Ask if they have done this before. Try to find out why they have being doing it. Explain how much you disapprove. Tell them to stop.
Extracted from the Inverness High School Newsletter (June 1998), article by Cameron Gibson ( Assistant Headteacher).
Also appears in the Highland Source. Check it out!