How to help your child when they are being bullied

No child is immune from bullying. Children with disabilities …such as physical, developmental, emotional, intellectual and sensory disabilities—are at an increased risk of being bullied. Bullying is WRONG and we need to STOP BULLYING in schools.

Parents can help their children by:

• Be on the lookout for bullying

• Listen to what your child is telling you

• Pay attention to your child’s moods

• Never ignore self-destructive behaviours like running away from home, cutting or talking about suicide Watch your child’s sleeping habits

• Look deeper if your child’s grades begin to fall

• Make sure you know your child’s schedule

• Watch for reports of lost possessions

Talk to your child about bullying.

Be sure your child knows what constitutes bullying and encourage him or her to communicate with you about anything that happens. Understand though that kids often don’t report bullying to parents. So you need to ask regularly about school and their interactions with others.

Help your child build a strong support system.

Having friends and supportive people around is essential to bullying prevention. Bullies often leave children alone who have a solid group of friends and supportive people. Help your child make friends at school by inviting children to your home. Also provide opportunities to develop friendships by exposing your child to activities he or she enjoys.

Report all bullying.

Contact school officials immediately if you find out your child is being bullied. Ask to meet face-to-face and provide written details of the incidents including the dates, times, places and people involved.

Be sure your child is safe.

If your child is being physically harassed or has been threatened, request that the school intervene immediately. Your child’s safety should be your number one priority, so take steps to ensure it is safe for your child to be at school.

Let's work together as parents to help our children in the case of bullying. Let's also TEACH them to be buddies and not bullies.

Reference: https://www.stompoutbullying.org/special-needs-kids-and-bullying