With the return of in-person schooling, bullying prevention among children and teens remains an important conversation. According to a recent federal survey, nearly 20 percent of U.S. students ages 12-18 reported being bullied on school property within the past year. Fifteen percent reported cyberbullying either online or by text. National Bullying Prevention Month this October reminds us that we all must play a role to prevent bullying and promote inclusion. Here are four tips to help parents and guardians through the process:
1. Create a positive and nurturing climate at home.
Family environment is equally as important as the educational environment. Bullying in schools can sometimes arise from harsh parenting practices of sibling bullying at home. As guardians, ensuring that your student feels comfortable and open in their home can provide a positive outlet for coping with emotions.
2. Establish open communication.
Many children and teens struggle to discuss their feelings with a parent or guardian. Offer different routes for conversation between you and your student to promote open communication. Try incorporating conversations through reading books and everyday observation. More importantly, ensure that your student knows it’s okay to ask for help when facing a challenging situation. Crafting this open communication can help prevent bullying in the future.
3. Validate your student’s emotional needs.
For students facing the emotional toll of bullying, a supportive individual can make all the difference in the steps towards prevention. Show your respect for your student’s feelings through discussion and understanding. If your student is feeling stressed or anxious, offer to walk through healthy coping mechanisms and techniques together.
4. Craft a relationship with school leadership.
Your school educators and administration are available to help in the prevention process. Channels of dialogue can be established early-on in the year as a preventative technique. If your student is facing bullying, teachers and staff often hold more information on the matter. Together, guardians and educators can effectively address a bullying situation to help each student.
Remember to spend extra time caring for a student who faces bullying. Surrounding them with love, compassion and respect can be the first step in the healing process. If your student is in need of more intensive services, Oaks Integrated Care can help. For mental health resources or more information about our services, call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377.
