Bullying can be a difficult experience for any child, but it can be even more challenging when a child gets bullied by an adult. Bullying from adults, whether by a teacher, family member, or another authority figure, can have a significant impact on a child’s self-esteem and sense of safety. Thus, it is key for parents to be aware and understand how they can protect their children from being bullied by adults. Appropriate action at the right time can help protect your child’s well-being.
In this article, we will look at a few ways parents can help their children in case of bullying from adults:
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Look for the signs
Adult bullying can affect children in subtle ways, so parents must be aware of these subtle signs. If a child is getting bullied, they might show sudden changes in behavior such as avoiding places they previously enjoyed, refusing to participate in certain activities, exhibiting signs of anxiety, or even throwing tantrums or experiencing mood swings. They may also experience physical symptoms such as falling sick and stomach aches. Noticing these signs of bullying is crucial for early intervention.
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Openly communicate with your child.
Your child may find it difficult to open up about their bullying experience. Thus, it is important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for the child to speak about bullying. Slowly and gently ask questions to your child so that you can understand their situation. However, be careful and do not pressure them to speak if they are uncomfortable. Let them speak at their own pace. Listening nonjudgmentally creates safety and trust in children.
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Reassure them that they are not at fault.
Children may often blame themselves for being bullied, especially if they are being bullied by a trusted adult. Thus, it’s essential to let your child know that they do not deserve to be bullied and are not at fault for their experience. This reassurance will help reduce any guilt and shame that they may have about being bullied.
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Don’t encourage violence.
While it is important to teach your child to protect themselves against bullies, encourage them to avoid using anger or aggression as a response to bullying. Using aggression can make the bullying worse and further complicate the situation. Instead, encourage them to use calm ways to deal with the situation.
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Encourage Assertiveness
Teach your child to respond assertively to the bullies. Help them practice phrases like “Please stop,” “That’s not okay,” or “I don’t like how you’re talking to me.” Assertiveness without aggression can sometimes be a powerful tool to discourage bullies, as it empowers your child to stand up for themselves and set boundaries.
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Involve the necessary authorities.
If the bullying continues, you may need to speak to and involve the relevant authorities, like the school administration or the management of the particular organization. In extreme cases of bullying, help from the police may be necessary as well. Approach the authorities with any proof that you might have against the bullying. Support your child through the process, as it might be overwhelming for them.
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Focus on building your child’s confidence
Bullying, especially from an adult, can cause serious harm to a child’s self-esteem, so it is necessary to encourage them to engage in activities that boost their confidence. Encourage your child to participate in activities such as sports, play, extra-curricular activities, or any activity that they like to boost their confidence.
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Talk to a professional
Many times, bullying can have a lasting impact on a child’s mental health, leading to psychological harm and trauma. In such times, seeking support from a therapist can help your child process their emotions while also helping them develop coping strategies. The therapist can also guide you on how to support your child through this experience.
Conclusion:
Children can find it incredibly tough to deal with adult bullying. However, parents can play a crucial role and support the child through this experience. By recognizing the signs and encouraging open communication, you can create a safe environment for your child to speak about their experience. You can also support them by speaking to the relevant authorities and building their confidence. In the end, the goal is to make them feel safe and empowered
References:
- Helping Kids Deal With Bullies (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bullies.html
- How can I help my child if they are being bullied? (n.d.). Anti-Bullying Alliance. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/tools-information/advice-and-support/advice-parents-and-carers/how-can-i-help-my-child-if-they-are
- How To Deal With Bullying in Schools. (n.d.). Parents. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.parents.com/kids/problems/bullying/bully-proof-your-child-how-to-deal-with-bullies/
