What if my child is a bully? A parent ’s guide to end the bullying

It’s a busy day at work. Your phone rings, and the principal at your child’s school tells you your child is bullying other students. What do you do?
Popular media tends to focus just on the children who are bullied. So, what about the children who are bullies? According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, approximately 30 percent of young people admit to bullying others.
Research also shows that bullies are at greater risk for delinquent behavior and may experience adverse physical and mental health consequences including poor academic achievement, depressive symptoms and more.
Here are some tips to help parents start the conversation, and stop the bullying.

Acknowledge the bullying
It is so easy for parents to get defensive about their children. No one wants their child to be a bully, and no one wants to hear their child is hurting another child. Take a deep breath, and be grateful that you are now aware of this behavior. Sometimes just acknowledging the behavior is the toughest hurdle to overcome.
Develop understanding
It is important to understand why your child is bullying others. One child may seek attention from his or her parents. Another may be bullying because they themselves are being bullied or mimicking violent behavior they have seen elsewhere. Moreover, another child may have developmental issues, which may impede learning and cause the child to act out at school.
Work with your child’s school
Talk to and work collaboratively with yo...

Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - October 25, 2016 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Jessica Tsai Tags: Kids' Safety Parenting Teen Health BACPAC bullying Dr. Jessica Tsai Source Type: news