1. Create an environment of trust
The first step is to create a climate of trust where your child feels comfortable talking about their concerns. Encourage open discussions about their day, their friends, and what’s happening at school. Reassure them that you are there to support them, no matter what the situation.
2. Educate about what harassment is
It is important to clearly explain to your child what bullying is , using concrete examples: repeated teasing, social exclusion, physical or verbal aggression, cyberbullying. Help him understand that any form of violence or intimidation is unacceptable.
3. Learn to recognize the signs
Children need to know how to identify signs of bullying , whether in themselves or in their peers. This includes changes in behavior, reluctance to go to school, drops in academic performance, or the onset of unusual stress.
4. Encourage empathy and peer support
Explain to your child the importance of being attentive to others. If they notice that a classmate is being bullied, they can play a crucial role in alerting an adult or supporting the person concerned. Empathy is a key skill in combating bullying.
5. Remember the importance of talking
It is important that your child understands that they should always speak up if they are being bullied or witness it. Talk to them about who they can turn to: teachers, school counselors, or you.
6. Establish an action plan
When bullying occurs, it is important that your child knows how to respond. Teach him to avoid responding to the provocation, to seek help immediately, and not to keep the problem to himself.
