By Joey Melvin

Director of Center for Safe Schools

As kids come back to school, you may hear of more incidents of bullying. Here are five ways parents can support their child who has been bullied.

1. Acknowledge and Empathize: Start by saying, “I’m sorry this happened to you.” This shows your child that you acknowledge their feelings and are there to support them.

2. Listen Actively: Listen carefully to your child’s account without interrupting or asking too many questions. Give them the space to share their experience at their own pace.

3. Express Gratitude: Thank your child for trusting you with this information. Saying something like, “Thank you for telling me,” reinforces that they did the right thing by coming to you.

4. Discuss Next Steps: Talk about what actions to take next. Together, decide who you should talk to at school and what steps should be taken to address the situation.

5. Engage with the School: Visit the school’s website to familiarize yourself with their bullying procedures. Approach school officials as teammates in your child’s well-being, working together to find a solution rather than being adversaries.

For more information on bullying prevention tips for parents and caregivers, visit https://www.centerforsafeschools.org/bullying-prevention.

Center for Safe Schools is committed to supporting schools, educators, parents, law enforcement, and community and local agencies create positive school climates and establish safety measures.

For more information, visit www.centerforsafeschools.org.