Perhaps your child is the target of cyberbullying from another student. Or perhaps other students are being cruel to your kid at school. The effects of bullying in the classroom can be distressing and frightening.
However, you can take actionable steps to discover the source of the problem and put an end to it. Here are eight things you may do to assist your child if he or she is a victim of bullying at school.
1. Pay attention to your kid:
Prioritize the needs of your child. Children are allowed to be sad. However, you should watch out that they don\’t hurt themselves or others. Remove your youngster as soon as possible from the bullying environment.
Just hearing the words \”I love you\” from their parent can make their day. The simple act of listening to your child is helpful. Giving your child the impression that you value their feelings will encourage them to tell you everything that happened.
Keep this step in mind at all times as you proceed to the others. Providing for a child\’s needs is something that never ends.
2. Gather information (and keep records):
Ask your child directly but gently if somebody is doing anything to make them feel uncomfortable. Encourage your child to talk by asking them open-ended questions. Once you have a general understanding of the situation, try to hone down on more precise details. Enquire as to whether or not you\’re receiving any negative feedback from social media users. Where are they coming from? How many are there? When?
Next, try asking around; someone else might know more. You\’re curious about the recent events, the people involved, and the timing and location of these occurrences. (Before approaching the bullies themselves, though, you should give it some serious thought.)
Don\’t forget to round up any proof you may find of the bullying. Emails and texts can be saved and printed out. You may also record and preserve voice communications and screenshots on social media and online forums.
3. Document the bullying experience and share it:
Document everything you can about your newfound knowledge. Make an effort to establish a timetable of events. Discuss the schedule with your kid if you think they can manage it. (It\’s possible that this won\’t take place in one go.)
Share your experience of bullying with someone else, such as a close relative or friend. Enquire into responses: Have I understood you correctly? Were you truthful about everything? Were you feeling too upset to talk about it?
4. Have a look at the anti-bullying regulations at your school (and in your state):
Your child\’s student handbook or the district\’s website will provide the district\’s anti-bullying policy. Here are the measures you can follow to lodge a formal complaint about bullying. There needs to be a way to get in touch with the helpful employees.
There are now anti-bullying statutes in all fifty states. Check the legislation in effect in your home state. It may provide you with extra protections, such as a deadline by which the school must resolve the issue.
5. Take action and tell the school about the bullying:
Talk to the instructor if the harassment is taking place in the classroom. If you think it\’s necessary, you can always invite the principal. Talk to the principal immediately if the bullying is occurring at lunch or during a break.
Find out if teachers and administrators know about bullying and what they\’ve done to stop it. Tell us about your kid\’s experience with bullying and attach any relevant paperwork. Enquire about the timeline for the school\’s plans at the meeting. Send a follow-up letter (or email will do) detailing your conversation.
6. Keep an eye on how the school reacts:
After a case of bullying has been reported to the school, the school may be required to follow a certain procedure in accordance with state anti-bullying rules. The school should provide you with written updates on the situation.
Keep an eye on what the school is doing. If the bullying persists, write down each new occurrence. Inform the school of the recent incidents and enquire as to any planned responses. Make time to talk to and reassure your child as best you can.
7. Report the issue higher up:
You should call and write the school\’s superintendent if bullying persists after two weeks have passed after you initially reported it. You might also write to the board of education in your area.
Tell them all you know about what happened after you reported the bullying to the school, including who you spoke to and how. Get assistance putting an end to the bullying. Record your thoughts.
Get in touch with the education department in your state if nothing changes. Bullying cases may be looked into by state employees. The Parent Training Information Centre in your area may also be able to help.
8. Consult a lawyer:
Get in touch with an attorney if the bullying continues. If you haven\’t seen any progress after working with an attorney who specializes in education law, don\’t give up hope.