Is There a Bully at Your Child's School?

Unfortunately, there may be somebody who takes on the role as “school bully.” 

While this person may be intimidating, there are steps you can take to work with your child to help resolve the issues associated with bully behavior.

According to adolescent therapist, Kristine Jares, MSSA, LISW, Lakewood Hospital Teen Health Center, the following steps should be taken to confront and resolve the issue of bullying at school:

Create an open dialogue with your kids and other students about bullying in order for them to understand and recognize it.

 

Identify a safe person your child can approach if bullying takes place, such as a teacher, principal, administrator, etc.

 

As a parent, discuss any bully behavior with the teacher so she/or he is aware of the situation.

 

Educate yourself on the school policy for bullying and/or harassment.

 

Let the school handle the issue if bullying is occurring at the school; do not approach the alleged bully’s parents.

 

Teach your child how to effectively respond differently to the bully, such as walking away, be assertive, use humor, ignore the person, find an adult and team up with a friend so they are not alone with the perpetrator.

 

Lastly, there must be meaningful consequences in order for the bully to stop; otherwise, the behavior will continue if it is ignored. Be sure to follow through with the school regarding the situation.

The Lakewood Hospital Teen Health Center can provide teens ages 12 to 19 with answers to the common questions many young adults have today. The staff understands the needs of teens and can provide a comfortable place to receive a variety of services.

For more information about the Teen Health Center, click here.

To make an appointment, call 216.391.TEEN (8336).