When To Step In When A Child Is Being Bullied

Your child or another is being bullied. As a parent, you want to rush straight to their aid and stop the problem. But, that is not always the best solution. Learn when to step in and when to step back.

“What can I do?”

This is often a parent’s first thought. Your child won’t always come to you when they have been bullied. Instead, you will have to look out for the signs that it could be occurring. Here are a few:
Loss of appetite
Not sleeping well
Mood swings
Headaches and stomachaches
Wanting to stay home from school
Weight loss

Some bullying tactics don’t involve physical harm but emotional and psychological abuse. Cyber bullying can be like this. But, it is no less harassing for your child to have to deal with every day.

You must still tread lightly. Kids are still kids and they can be sensitive about issues like this. A dozen questions are going through their head as well:
Why am I being bullied?
What’s wrong with me?
How can I stop it?
What will my parents say?

They are feeling hurt and guilty at the same time. To ease their suffering, you have to know when it is appropriate to step in. here are some situations where you will want to act right away.

Signs of physical abuse – Yes, kids get into fights but if your child is not the fighting type, seeing a black eye or bruises could signal that they are being bullied by another kid.
Physical changes – Children who are bullied try to avoid areas where they can be tortured like the lunchroom or the bathroom. Not eating leaves them weak for the afternoon and eventually losing weight. Not using the bathroom all day at school could lead to intestinal problems.
Your child asks for help – It takes great courage for a child to admit that something is wrong, especially something as personal as bullying. They may not even think of it as bullying if it involves someone spreading rumors or their supposed “friends” avoiding them all day. But, if they come to you, then it is time for you to get involved and see what you can do.

When to Step back

Your child won’t talk to you – If you suspect that something has changed about your child but they won’t open up, don’t necessarily assume it is bullying, unless you see signs. Hint to them that the communication lines are open and you are there for them if they need you. Just the offer may make them feel safe enough to find their own solution.
Your child asks you to – With the love and support at home, they may want to handle the situation by themselves first. You can help by practicing role playing with them to help them prepare for any future confrontations.

It is hard for a parent to see their child being bullied. But, every situation may not require your outside assistance.