Listen and reassure

Put your own feelings aside and listen
to what your child is telling you when
talking about bullying. Allow them to
explain what is happening and accept
what they are saying. Praise your child
for telling you and let them know
they did the right thing getting help.
Make sure your child knows this isn’t
their fault, and reassure them that
they are loved and valued.

Find out the facts

Repeat back to them what you have
heard from them about the bullying
to show you have listened and ask
your child how they want to move
forward. If they feel involved in
deciding what to do they will be less
likely to become more stressed or
anxious than they already are.

Stay Calm

Try to remain calm and not
over-react. Your child may be
really worried about telling you
they are being bullied and could
be scared that your reaction will
make things worse.

Talk to your child’s
school or club

Schools have a responsibility to
protect pupils from bullying. Talk to
them whether it’s happening in or out
of school. If the bullying is happening
at a youth club, speak to the leader
in charge. Arrange a meeting, bring
any evidence you have of the bullying
and express the impact it’s having
on your child. You might want to
jot down notes from what is said at
the meeting. Ask for a copy of the
school’s Anti-Bullying policy and ask
what action will be taken making sure
everyone is in agreement with what
should be done. Arrange to meet
again to be updated of any progress.

Line of contact

If the bullying continues and you
are not happy with the schools
response from either the child’s
teacher or principal you can write
to the Chair of the schools Board
of Governors. If the situation still
continues you can write a formal
complaint to the Education &
Library Board or CMS Board.

If your child is the bully

If your child is being accused of
bullying you may be in disbelief but
listen to what the other parent or
teacher has to say. Talk to your child
about the seriousness of this, explain
the consequences that bullying can
have to your child and agree a plan
for acceptable behaviour.