Bullying is not a recent development. Teen bullying has existed for a long time now. Fortunately, people are speaking up about and against it now.When it comes to teenage, bullying can take on monstrous proportions. Many of us have memories from high school that we would rather forget. The last thing you want, we are sure, is for your teen to go through the same. Teenage bullying can take away your teens life too.
But with the advent of the Internet, bullying has taken on a new face. Bullying teens are increasing in number. As a parent, it is important for you to understand how to help your child deal with bullying. So, learn as much as you can about this menace that has the power to hurt and scar your teen for life. Most teens won’t come forward and tell you they are getting bullied. It is up to you to find out.As a parent, your immediate reaction to bullying can be to get involved personally. Don’t do it. Here are some strategies you can use instead.
* Don’t Make It PersonalYes, it is difficult to not make your child’s pain personal. But you need to stay calm to help your teen deal with bullying. You can vent later, in the privacy of your room.
* Don’t Try To Solve The ProblemIt will be so much easier for you to go in and solve the situation. But it won’t help your teen. She needs to learn skills to help herself. So stand back a little and guide your child on how to deal with negative people.
* Don’t Diminish The PainThere is a very fine line between making it personal and not reacting at all! Your teen does not need to be left alone. She needs space, with you watching over her. Don’t tell her ‘it’ll be okay’ or ‘these things happen’.Her pain is real. Don’t belittle it.
* Don’t Blame The VictimVictim blaming is the worst thing you can do! Your teen has not done anything that deserves bullying. Don’t imply it. If you blame your teen for bullying, chances are high that she will learn to deal with it by keeping silent. Not something you want, for sure!
* Have A Heart To Heart ConversationNow will be a great time to sit down and talk, really talk, with your teen. Tell her about your experience with bullying so she doesn’t feel too alone. Be real. Don’t sugarcoat your words. You can also encourage other adults she is close with to have a talk with her. Surround her with comfort and love.