How Parents Can Help

• If you are worried that your child is being bullied, ask him/her directly

• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of bullying

• Take bullying seriously and find out the facts when told about an incident of bullying

• Don't agree to keep the bullying a secret

• Talk with teacher or headteacher, if it is school bullying

• Give teachers the suggestions in this booklet and point out the resources listed at the back of this booklet

• Institute Kidscape programmes in schools to combat bullying

• Help children practise strategies such as shouting no, walking with confidence and running away

• Give your child a chance to vent his/her feelings about being bullied

• Get other parents together and discuss ways to stop the bullying

• Talk to the parent governors at your school and suggest a school policy on bullying. If you meet with any difficulties, we'd like to know - email experience@kidscape.org.uk

• Arrange to meet your child, if the bullying is happening on the way to or from school

• Ask that the bullies be kept at school until everyone has had a chance to get home

• If you feel it would help your children's confidence, ask them if they would like to take self-defence classes

• Check that your child is not inviting the bullying by some obnoxious habit, such as spitting, picking his nose, etc

• Keep a written diary of all incidents

• Invite children over to help your child make friends

You can get more details about how you can help by visiting our downloads page and looking at the leaflets and booklets that are in our Bully Pack and Child Safety Pack.

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