How to treat a school bully

Many parents make the mistake of assuming school bullies are just big harmless kids who just want a little attention. This may be true in some cases but the reality is the school bully may be a violent person who terrorizes kids physically and emotionally on a daily basis.

If the school bully is allowed to continue their harassment they may get worse in their level of attacks, sometimes with fatal results. Bullying is not just verbal abuse; bullies will usually assault their victims if they know they can get away with it.

Bullying affects girls just as much as boys.

It is true that the average school bully may not harm someone if they get the impression that doing so will get them hurt in return, but a lot of kids lack the confidence and the basic skills to take care of themselves.

Parents often forget that they are raising adults, not children. Reinforcing mature and responsible behavior from a young age is very important. Maturity and responsibility is best taught by being a good example and not excessively punishing the child.

It is unfair to expect a child to cope with a school bully on their own but parents can not be there to protect their child all the time. When a school bully strikes good parents will always take it seriously, taking the matter up with the headmaster of the school as well as the parents of the bully. Curbing a bully’s attitude when they are young is vital and learning respect for others should be a priority to any parent and teacher giving life-skills training.

Enrolling your child in a self-defense program or getting a home-study program can give children self confidence and prevent them from getting seriously injured. Self-defense is something that should be learned by the whole family. It can be even better if a group of your child’s friends or peers take the self-defense class or get the program as it builds a small community of people who are self-confident enough to stand together against the school bully.

A lot of parents will blame the school bully’s parents for their behavior, but it is important not to get angry at the parents of the school bully. A solution to the problem should be worked out between the parents, the headmaster, and the children who are affected. Treat it as a real problem and make sure both sides understand how it is making them feel. Sometimes the school bully will get a reality check when they discover that their actions affect more than the person they are traumatizing.

Some experts say it is best not to question your child directly if they are being bullied. Rather, ask them if there is a school bully and what your child does about them, what your child does during breaks and after school. Try to establish if your child has avoidance behavior or fears going to school. A lot of kids don’t like school, but they don’t fear going there if they are not being bullied.

Getting more people involved.

The school bully may be a solo artist or belong to a small group. It is not often that large groups of bullies exist because it is an unusual behavior. Getting other parents and teachers involved in creating a pleasant learning environment can go a long way to solving the problem. Create a community of people who do not tolerate violence and abuse. Get yourself involved in the school system and in your child’s self defense.