As a parent you have the power to help your children whether they are being bullied or victimizing others. When faced with bullying, children need the support from an adult they feel comfortable confiding in. As you may be unable to directly monitor the situation in your child’s school, do not feel powerless- you can make a difference. You can be the support your child needs and the voice calling for change in your child’s school.

For Parents of Bullies:
Parenting styles have a huge effect on children’s behavior and how they learn to interact with others. An unstable home environment may prompt children to act out against others in school.

Things to Consider if You Suspect that Your Child is a Bully-

• It is important for children to have consistent discipline. It promotes self-control and responsibility.
• Receiving attention and warmth from parents helps children to understand feelings of connectedness and empathy.
• Do not underestimate the negative effects that viewing violent media can have on your child. Take an active role to limit the amount of violence that your child witnesses through television, movies, video games and the internet.
• Take time to participate in activities that you both enjoy. Your child will feel loved as you share experiences that are important to both of you.
• Praising your child is important. Children who are positively praised by their parents will feel empowered and learn to be proud of their accomplishments.
• If your child has engaged in bullying behavior it is important to take time to discuss what has occurred. Help your child explain what happened without excuses or blaming others and find out the motivation behind your child’s bullying behavior. Encourage them to talk about how their behavior affected the other person and discuss others ways to channel this behavior so that it does not hurt others.

The above information was compiled from .stopbullyingnow.com.

For Parents of Victims:
Parents are often unaware that their child is being bullied. Parents need to take note of differences in their child’s behavior that could signal that they are encountering social problems at school. It is a parent’s responsibility to help their child overcome bullying in school once they are aware of the situation. Upon finding that your child is a victim it is essential to remain calm and maintain open dialogue with your child and the school. It is normal to feel angry or scared but handling the situation in a responsible manner will set a good example for your child. Your child will appreciate that you are their ally, providing much needed support in a time where they feel alone.

For more information visit The Committee for Children, an organization that outlines tips for parents on how to help your child combat bullying.