How to Talk About Bullying with your Kids
It's back to school time! We know that one of the major problems that young students have to deal with is bullying. Do you know how to talk to your kids about bullying? Check out our tips below for the best way to make sure your child is prepared to handle bullying at school.
Help kids understand bullying
Talk about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Tell kids bullying is unacceptable. Make sure kids know how to get help. Encourage kids to speak to a trusted adult if they are bullied or see others being bullied. Talk about how to stand up to kids who bully. Talk about what to do if those actions don’t work, like walking away. Talk about strategies for staying safe, such as staying near adults or groups of other kids.
Keep the lines of communication open
Check in with kids often. Listen to them. Sometimes spending 15 minutes a day talking can reassure kids that they can talk to their parents if they have a problem. Start conversations about daily life and feelings with questions like these:
What was one good thing that happened today? Any bad things?
What is lunch time like at your school? Who do you sit with? What do you talk about?
What is it like to ride the school bus?
Encourage kids to do what they love
Special activities, interests, and hobbies can boost confidence, help kids make friends, and protect them from bullying behavior. Help kids take part in activities, interests, and hobbies they like. Kids can volunteer, take martial arts classes, play sports, or join a youth group or school club. These activities give kids a chance to have fun and meet others with the same interests. They can build confidence and friendships that help protect kids from bullying.
Model How to Treat Others with Kindness and Respect
Kids learn from adults’ actions. By treating others with kindness and respect, adults show the kids in their lives that there is no place for bullying. Even if it seems like they are not paying attention, kids are watching how adults manage stress and conflict, as well as how they treat their friends, colleagues, and families.
FREE BULLY PREVENTION CLASS:
For more information on Bully Prevention, please join us for a FREE Bully Prevention class, hosted by the Traditional Martial Arts Center!
Wednesday, August 30th at 5:00pm: 4-6 Year Olds
Register for your 4-6 year old child at: tinyurl.com/y7phel65
Wednesday, August 30th at 6:00pm: 7-12 Year Olds
Register your 7-12 year old child at: tinyurl.com/y9xgqlnx
I'll see you there,
Brian Schmidt
