Looking at statistics, 25 percent of public schools report that bullying among school children occur on a daily or weekly basis. In high school, the same trend continues as 1 in 5 students report being bullied in the past year. To lessen these numbers, parents should do their part to keep their children from being bullied.
Bullying starts at a young age, so it is important for children to develop a defense against it. Here are some things parents can do to help bully-proof their children:
Talk about it
Starting a conversation about bullying even before it happens will help children handle bullying better. Teaching children the difference between thinking, feeling, and action, for instance, will help them identify bullies in the midst.
"If you can connect these ideas and feelings, then it helps children to prepare to identify bullying," Tammy Hughes, a psychologist and chair of the Duquesne University's department of counseling, psychology and special education told CNN. "Negative versus positive behaviors -- and who did what to cause the outcome."
If the kids open up about already being bullied, offer unconditional support. Consult with the school and learn more about what their doing against bullying so that parents and teachers can help remedy the situation.
Safety in numbers
Having two or more children together will lessen the likelihood of children getting bullied. Encourage your kids to buddy up with friends in public places where they can't be overlooked by teachers. Kids Health noted that places like the school bus, the bathroom and locker areas are some of the most common places where bullies could lurk.
Keep a sense of calm
Bullies love it when they hurt others. To avoid getting picked on, it is best for children to ignore bullies and their hurtful remarks. The most effective way to do so is to talk to your kids how to handle these situations.
The easiest way to do so is ask a bully to stop then simply walk away. If a child isn't easily ruffled, the bully will eventually stop. If other children are being bullied, encourage your kids to speak up as well because bullies have power when nobody stands up to them.
Bullies tend to start young. However, these are a few of the ways you can help bully-proof your kids. Do you have any other suggestions? Share them in the comments below.
