What I told my Kids to do if Bullied

Bullying come in all forms.

As kids, adults, co-workers, online and even driving there may be bullies at any stage in life and how you deal with them is substantially important.

Fortunately, there are some people that are so fortunate that they will never experience the turmoil of being bullied. Being picked at, left out, singled out, lied on, made to feel less than someone else or emotionally/physically being afraid of a certain group or person are all forms of bullying. So, 1st I think it is important to recognize and teach how not to become a bully.

Personally, I teach my kids the importance of being nice and respecting others opinions, other people's space and other's property. And in one sentence the general rule of being compassionate. So, what happens if you are compassionate, nice and respectful yet others began to bully you?

Now, we do know that sometimes you just may not be able to avoid being bullied. During these times when you have done everything right, now what should you do? I teach my kids to keep the admin at school informed by being vocal as well as writing letters to not only your teachers but the counselors, school nurse, librarian, assistant principal and principle. This creates a paper trail that you have notified more than one school admin. Secondly, I can not say it enough tell your parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings or cousins. Kids must have support systems in place that take this allegations of bullying serious and protect and advocate for these kids.

Now, there are some outback parents that are totally out of touch with today's generation and do not take bullying seriously and these parents are part of the issue and problem as well as the bullying its' self. Not acknowledging the fact that someone is being victimized is just as bad as being the antagonist. By saying its "ok" or that "kids will be kids" is simply turning a blind eye to situation and can actually make it worst.

A support system for a child being bullied is extremely important more so psychologically. Knowing that your family will speak up for you and have your back is very rewarding and satisfying in the fact that you do not feel alone. So, aside from your kid writing letters to the school admin, having support from family members the family and friends must also understand that they can not go fight or bully the kids that are antagonizing your loved one. Everything must be done in a professional and organized manner that is legally and morally responsible. So, as a family member or friend what can you do to come to the aide of your bullied child.....alot!

Begin, by requesting a teacher, parent, counselor, admin conference via email so that you have a digital trail. Now, since this is a very important situation it is imperative that as many school admin be included in your email invitation for a conference. Make certain that you include in your email subject Bullying to make this a call to action. Before you send this invitation for conference, CC or Bcc a representative from the school board in your district. This will help with accountability in making sure that it does not get swept under the rug.

Follow up, be present, volunteer and be seen and heard. It is proven that kids which have parental involvement in school are less likely to be bullied.

As a last resort and if all else fails and your kid is still being bullied you do retain the right to withdraw your kid from the school. But, be careful when thinking about doing this because you do not want to give the impression to your child that it is okay to run from your problems.

#bullying