Bullying in Schools: What Parents Can Do to Support Their Child

Bullying can be devestating for a child.

Bullying is one of the biggest concerns parents face when it comes to their child’s safety at school. It’s more than playground teasing — bullying involves repeated, intentional behaviours that cause harm. It can be physical, verbal, social, or online, and it can leave lasting emotional scars. The good news? With awareness and the right support, parents can play a powerful role in helping children navigate and overcome bullying.

Recognising the Signs

Children don’t always come home and say, “I’m being bullied.” Fear, shame, or worry about making things worse often keeps them quiet. That’s why it’s important to notice the signs:

• Sudden reluctance to go to school

• Unexplained injuries, lost belongings, or damaged items

• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

• Drop in grades or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Emotional shifts — withdrawal, irritability, or frequent complaints of illness

If you see these changes, open the door to gentle conversation. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things going with your friends at school?” rather than pushing for a direct answer.

Practical Steps Parents Can Take

1. Listen Without Judgment
   If your child shares their experience, stay calm. Reacting with anger or panic may make them shut down. Instead, thank them for trusting you, validate their feelings, and reassure them that they are not alone.

2. Document What’s Happening
   Encourage your child to keep a record of incidents — dates, times, what was said or done, and who was involved. This can be helpful if you need to approach the school.

3. Work With the School
   Most schools have anti-bullying policies. Reach out to your child’s teacher or school counsellor with specific examples. Approach it as a partnership rather than a confrontation, focusing on solutions and safety.

4. Encourage Healthy Coping Skills
   Teach your child strategies like staying near supportive peers, using confident body language, or calmly walking away from negative situations. Role-play scenarios so they feel prepared.

5. Monitor Online Activity
   Cyberbullying is common and often hidden. Keep an open dialogue about social media use. Remind your child they can always come to you if something online makes them uncomfortable.

Seeking Extra Support

Bullying can take a toll not only on a child’s confidence but also on their mental health. If your child is showing signs of ongoing stress, anxiety, or withdrawal, seeking support from a counsellor can make a real difference. Counsellors provide a safe, non-judgmental space where children can:

• Talk openly about their experiences

• Learn coping strategies to manage fear and stress

• Rebuild self-esteem and resilience

• Practice healthy ways to express and process emotions

For parents, counselling also offers guidance on how to best support your child at home and communicate effectively with the school.

Empowering Your Child

Bullying can strip away confidence, so rebuilding your child’s sense of self is key. Encourage them to:

• Pursue activities they love, where they feel competent and supported

• Spend time with friends who lift them up

• Practice self-affirmations to counter negative messages

Most importantly, let them know that asking for help is not weakness — it’s strength. When children feel empowered, they’re less likely to internalise bullying and more likely to stand tall in the face of challenges.

Final Thought

Bullying is painful, but no child has to face it alone. As a parent, your role is to notice the signs, step in with calm support, and work alongside your child and their school to create safety. By listening, seeking extra support when needed, and empowering your child, you’re not only helping them through this challenge but also teaching them resilience and self-worth that will serve them for life.