Adults: Helping Children to Make a Difference in Psychological Bullying
Psychological Bullying is Dangerous
Explain to children what social and verbal bullying are and why they are wrong. Tell them that words hurt.
Create Empathy
Teach your children to pretend they are in the victim’s shoes and to think about how they feel when their feelings are hurt. Empathy is the greatest prevent or cure.
Taunting isn't Teasing
Teach your children about the difference between taunting and teasing. Taunting hurts and is meant to humiliate. Teasing is mutual, fun and stops immediately if someone is feeling distressed.
Bystanders Hurt, Too
Talk to your children about how a group interacts and that there are leaders, followers, bystanders and victims. Teach them that even if they are not the bully, their laughter or encouragement hurts the victim too.
Intervene when You Hear It
Get involved if you hear taunting. Explain that it is hurtful behaviour not just part of growing up or “girls being girls!”
Reinforce Good Behaviour
When you see children being inclusive or praising other children tell them you are proud, encourage them — self-esteem is healthy.
Value Differences
Work with children to develop a code of mutual respect. Remind them that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, regardless of race, size, skin colour, hobbies, religion, clothing, beliefs or anything at all.
Help the Bully
As with most types of bullying, children can be alternately bullies, victims or bystanders. We must focus on preventing bullying at its’ core rather than punishing a bully.
Help is There
Remember whether you’re the parent of a bystander, victim, or bully, someone is there to listen if you have parenting concerns. Call the Parent Help Line at 1-888-603-9100.