What do I do if my child shows bullying behaviour?
Take it seriously. Children and young people who bully others often get into serious trouble later in life. They may have continued trouble in their relationships with others. • Make it clear to your child that this kind of behaviour is not OK. ‘It was all in fun’ is not an acceptable excuse. • Discuss the negative impact on the child who is being bullied. Try to get your child to see it from their perspective. • Arrange nonviolent consequences that fit with your child’s actions – for example, no video games for a week. Never resort to physical punishment yourself because violence carries the inappropriate message that ‘might is right’. • Supervise your child’s activities and spend more time with them. • Exposure to violence in television shows and cartoons, electronic games on computer and video, or among the family members can increase violent and aggressive behaviours. Limit exposure to violence. Model and reinforce appropriate behaviours. • Communicate regularly with the school. Fi
