Parents can help stop bullying among children and youth
Bullying is not a normal part of growing up.
Parents can take actions to keep children safe from bullying, and to prevent a child from bullying others. Download tips for parents on preventing bullying, whether your child is being targeted by bullying, bullying others, or witnessing bullying behaviours.
- Build children's self-esteem. Value your child’s contributions and achievements.
- If your child is socially isolated at school, get them involved in community activities.
- Teach your children that if they see someone being bullied, they should not watch, laugh or join in.
- Help kids see the value of offering empathy and support to those who are bullied.
- Work with your child's school to educate others about the problem of bullying. Learn more in RespectED's bullying and harassment prevention program for schools.
- Pay attention to the relationships in your children's peer groups. Ensure all children are included and address inappropriate behaviours.
- Model respectful behaviours at home and in your daily interactions.
Parents can help stop cyberbullying
Follow these tips to help keep your kids safe from cyberbullying.
- Familiarize yourself with online activities. Learn about the websites, blogs, chat rooms and cyber lingo that your children are using.
- Keep the computer in a common area so you can monitor activities.
- Keep communication lines with your children open so they feel comfortable talking to you about cyberbullying experiences. Let them know that you are there to support them.
- Recognize that online communication is a very important social aspect in your child’s life. Do not automatically remove their online privileges if you find out about a cyberbullying experience.
- Talk to your children about what is acceptable behaviour online and offline.
- Report any online harassment, physical threats or bullying to your local police or your Internet Service Provider.
- Report any harassment, physical threats or bullying that occurs over your child's cell phone to your phone service provider. You may have to change the phone number if the problem does not stop.
Find more helpful tips for parents watch the video called, How to Help: A Youth Perspective on Bullying