What Exactly Is Bullying?

There are three types of bullying: verbal, physical, or non-verbal. Examples of verbal bullying include teasing, taunting, name-calling, and spreading rumors. Hitting, kicking, shoving, and destroying property are types of physical bullying. And threatening or obscene gestures are non-verbal/non-physical types of bullying.

To prevent bullying, you should:

Try Not to Be Aggressive or Hostile in Front of Your Kids. When kids see their parents being aggressive or hostile, they are more likely to act that way themselves.

Take Action When Necessary. If your teen is showing sings of being a bully, tell them you don’t approve. Let them know there will be consequences for their actions. It is better to stop you’re your teen’s bad behavior before it can get out of hand.

Take Action When Brothers and Sisters Bully Each Other. If your kids are bullying each other, tell them you know what’s going on. Explain why they are wrong. Tell them you will punish them if they continue. You don’t want their bad behavior at home too continue in other places.

Communicate With the School. Talk with your teen’s teachers and counselors. They can tell you if your teen is behaving badly outside the home.

Recognize Bullying as a Problem. If your teen talks to you about bullying, tell them you take this situation very seriously. Be open with them. If your teen is being bullied, let them know it is not their fault. And tell them that you are there to help.

How to Help Teens Who Are Bullying Others

Talk to the Bully. Meet with teens that are being aggressive. Tell them you know they have a problem. Explain to them that there are better ways to express their anger. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and to walk away then they are upset.

Give Teens the Tools to Cope. Help teens build social skills, coping skills, self-esteem, and self-confident behavior.

Talk with the School Social Worker.  Meet with the school social worker to discuss the situation and what changes can be made in the home.