How to tell if your child is a TARGET
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CHILD IS A TARGET/VICTIM OF BULLYING
• Social Isolation
• Feelings of Being Alone or Isolation
• Feelings of Being Picked On
• Feelings of Rejection
• Low Interest In School
• Poor Academic Performance
• Feelings of Suicide
• Torn Clothes or other signs of physical fighting
• Feelings of Being Alone or Isolation
• Feelings of Being Picked On
• Feelings of Rejection
• Low Interest In School
• Poor Academic Performance
• Feelings of Suicide
• Torn Clothes or other signs of physical fighting
As a parent, you know your child best and you can tell when your child’s behavior has changed. The change may be gradual or immediate. The above list is in no way inclusive, and may be signs of other issues your child may be facing. Talk with your child about the possible bullying at school. All children react differently to bullying. It may be important for you to consult a therapist.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED AT SCHOOL…Contact your child’s teacher, guidance counselor or principal. Tell them of your concerns, ask them to investigate your suspicions. Do not confront the suspected bully’s parents. Let the school do this. The school is required to investigate reports of bullying see below.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD TELLS YOU SHE/HE IS BEING BULLIED AT SCHOOL…Contact your child’s school principal. By NH state Law RSA 193-F, all NH schools must have an anti-bullying policy; which must be followed in the case of reported abuse. Be persistent, they must report to you any results of their investigation. They are not able to tell you the name of the bully, but they must contact the bully’s parents. Remind them it is their responsibility to provide a safe learning environment and it is all about the BULLY and the bully's unacceptable behavior. If the bullying continues, you may need to take further steps. There is a reporting hierarchy:
1. Contact the superintendents office, 2. school board, and finally, 3. the NH dept. of Education/NH State School Board. Don’t give up your child’s well being is too important.
A BULLY NEEDS HELP TOO….If your child has been identified as a bully by his or her school, or you have witnessed your child bullying another child or sibling. Take action. Remember, children bully because they can, and adults do little to intervene.
Here is a suggestion:
• Identify the behavior, “Johnny, calling Billy names is bullying.”
• Tell your child that bullying is inappropriate and that you will not tolerate bullying.
• Ask your child what it was he/she was trying to accomplish by his/her bullying behavior.
• Bullying behavior is self-rewarding and self-gratifying, and if the bullying behavior continues it may be important for you to consult a therapist.
Promoting Bully Awareness and Prevention in New Hampshire Schools.
