Listen to what your child tells you and don’t dismiss it. It’s important that he knows that you believe him and are taking him seriously
Discuss with him why he thinks he’s being picked on – by working out what is making him a target; he can work on strategies to overcome the problem. Make sure he knows that you don’t think he’s being bullied because of anything he’s done.
Don’t take any action yourself unless your child agrees – although if he’s being physically hurt, you may have to do something whether he wants you to or not.
Help him work on some coping strategies – what he can do or say that may help his situation.
Don’t label your child or offer reasons that he may be being bullied – he needs your support not more proof of his lack of worth.
Encourage him to ignore any name-calling – if he’s the type of child who cries easily, try to make him understand that name-calling can’t hurt him if he doesn’t let it. He may get strength by visualising an invisible wall around him that will protect him from sharp words.
Indulge him if he wants to take a new route to school to avoid a bully – if, by doing this, he can deal with the bully and feel safe, then you should support him.
Contact your child’s school, if the bullying is happening there. They should have a bully policy and be receptive to your concerns.
If you suspect that it’s your child’s lack of confidence that is making him a target, encourage his self-confidence by focussing on the things he does well.
