Bullying in schools continues to climb at an alarming rate and anti-bullying policies are only pieces of paper. Want to know the best ways to protect your child against bullying. Listed below are 3 most effective ways you can do so.

When people target you for bullying, it can alter your life in so many negative ways. If you are anything like I was when my son went through a stint of bullying during middle school, you’re probably wondering what you can do to help your child.

As a former victim of bullying myself and parent of a child who was once targeted, I am giving you the best ways you can help them overcome.

You are going to learn about bullying in schools and all the best ways to assist your child during what will probably be the worst time of their school career

After learning about all these measures, you are going to be able to help your them take back their personal power and free themselves from the abuse once and for all.

This post is not only about bullying in schools but also about the best remedies every parent should know.

Bullying in Schools

“How can I help my child who is being bullied in school?”

Bullying in schools is at an all-time high, affecting millions of innocent children. Unfortunately, many parents are unsure what to do about it. Even worse, some parents don’t really learn what to do until it’s too late.

Therefore, if you suspect your child is being bullied in school, here’s what you can do.

1. Recognize the warning signs.

Chances are, they won’t tell you if they’re being bullied. Fortunately, there will be signs if it happens.

Therefore, you must know what to look for so that you can be there for your child. Then you can help them before they suffer any real damage. Here’s a list of the warning signs your kid is bullied at school.

Unexplained Injuries.

You will notice unexplained bruises, scratches, and marks on their face and body. Your kid may also come home from school with torn clothing.

Additionally, their belongings may be destroyed. For example, if your kid wears eyeglasses, they may be broken. Or they may bring home a torn backpack.

Bullying in Schools:

Plummeting Grades.

Bullying throws victims into survival mode. And it’s difficult to learn when you’re constantly having to watch your back. Why? Instead of concentrating on schoolwork, you’re focused on trying to stay safe.

Who can learn when they’re on high alert? Therefore, your kid’s class performance and grades will decline.

For example, a child who is normally a straight-A student will begin making Cs and Ds. If you notice these things, it’s time to find out why.

Pretending to be sick to avoid going to school.

Loss of interest in school is a huge sign. If your kid once enjoyed school, but then starts feigning illness to stay home, that’s not normal.

It’s important that you get to the bottom of this quickly.

Changes in mood.

If your kid was once happy and is now feeling sad, anxious, and depressed, that’s a red flag. You would be surprised at how quickly bullying can take the joy out of life.

Therefore, it’s on you to find out what the problem is.

Bullying in Schools:

Changes in eating habits.

When a kid is bullied at school, they may overeat for comfort. Or, they may not eat enough to retain some sense of control.

Loss of Sleep.

Bullying causes anxiety. Anxiety can make it hard to sleep at night. Therefore, if your child wakes up tired, ask questions.

Social Withdrawal.

Many bullied kids withdraw from others because they’re afraid of history repeating itself.  Meeting people, especially new ones, can be paralyzing. I can relate because I’ve been there.

When a child is bullied, everyone they know has rejected them. And they don’t feel they can take another chance of it happening again.

Therefore, you must teach them to never be afraid to meet new people. Tell them that every stranger they meet is an opportunity to make a friend.

Why? Because other kids who are total strangers are the best people for them to meet and establish connections with.

They make the best potentials because there’s no history with them. They don’t know your son or daughter from the bullying environment. So, they aren’t a target to them and are unlikely to become one.

With kids they’ve never met, they can begin with a clean slate. They have opportunities to put their best foot forward and start anew.

Teach them these things, and your children will thank you for it someday.

2. Bullying in Schools:

Encourage them to talk to you.

Most bullied children will not tell you when they’re being bullied at school. Why? Because many of them are afraid to tell you. There is a degree of shame that comes with bullying.

And bullied kids feel like total wusses. Moreover, they fear making things worse. Bullied kids feel that if they talk about it, others will label them a snitch, and the bully will hurt them worse.

They believe it’s much safer to remain silent. Therefore, you must lovingly encourage them to tell you what is happening. Tell them that you will stand by them, no matter what.

3. Never tell your child to “just ignore it.”

The worst advice you can give your kid is to tell them to ignore the bullying. Why? Because school bullies mistake ignoring them for fear.

Bullying thrives on fear. Therefore, they will only keep bullying your child. The best approach is to teach them to respond confidently.

For instance, your child can respond calmly with a good burn. Here’s a good scenario:

Bully: “Your clothes look like you got them from the Salvation Army.”

Your Child: “Oh, you shop there too, huh?”

4. Bullying in Schools:

Give your child Opportunities to make friends outside the bullying environment.

Many bullied kids have few friends or none at all. There are several ways you can give your kid opportunities to make friends.

Enroll them in a martial arts class.

Not only will it teach them how to handle bullies, but it will also give them opportunities to make friends. As a result, their confidence will skyrocket!

Chances are that these kids may not know yours from school. Therefore, these MA students will be great opportunities for friendship. They will help buffer your child’s self-esteem against bullying at school.

Encourage them to join a group at church.

Church groups also offer opportunities to make friends. Therefore, if you attend church, encourage your baby to participate in the youth groups there.

Bullying in Schools:

Have them join a scout troop.

Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts offer wonderful opportunities for friendship. I was in the Girl Scouts, and let me tell you! It made all the difference!

I made friends and attended camp for two weeks during the summer. Moreover, I learned so many good life skills. Scouting will teach your child many survival skills.

These are memories I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. And it will be the same for your child.

5. Listen to them.

When your kid decides they need to talk, listen without judging. Moreover, reassure them that the bullying is not their fault.

Then encourage them to report it. And tell them that it’s okay to defend themself.

6. Bullying in Schools:

Document it.

Encourage your child to write down every bullying incident in detail. Teach them to use the 5W method (what, who, when, where, why). It’s how they can tell their story and make others believe it.

Here’s a breakdown of the 5W method.

1. What

Record in your journal what happened. When you write about it, describe the incident exactly as it unfolded. Include what was said and by whom.

2. Who

Identify the bullies by writing down their full names. Also, include the names of any bystanders and witnesses.

If any teachers are present, add their names. They may not want to provide any testimonies. They may also deny seeing the bullying. Schools tend to ignore bullying.

However, if you document correctly, you will expose them for the liars and cowards they are.

3. Bullying in Schools:

When

Record the date and exact time of the incident. Very important!

4. Where

 You must specify where the incident occurred (school locker room, gym, bathroom, parking lot, etc.).

5. Why

Write down why it happened. For example, was the bully retaliating because you had previously reported harassment? Write down every detail!

If you don’t know why it happened, write that down. Additionally, if needed, describe how the incident occurred. It’s your responsibility to ensure your child documents everything.

At the same time, stay in touch with the school through email. And save any emails and letters sent from the school. This is how you keep a paper tail. Keeping detailed records is the best way to gather evidence of bullying.

Too many learn this the hard way. And I don’t want you to be one of them.

The purpose of this post is to educate parents about bullying in schools and how they can help their child so they can protect their mental health.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Encouraging Words for Bullying: You Can Overcome!

2. Why do Schools Ignore Bullying? 7 Reasons Schools Do Nothing  

3. Bullying Evidence: 5 Smart Ways to Get Evidence of Bullying 

4. Bullying Story: Endurance, Survival, and the Will to Overcome