How can I prevent bullying?
Preventing bullying starts at home: self-esteem, social skills, empathy and communication that lets children say what is happening.
Bullying is repeated, deliberate mistreatment between peers where there is an imbalance of power. We cannot control everything that happens at school, but we can strengthen the factors that protect children.
So that they are not bullied
- Daily communication. Ask about break time and friends, not just about marks.
- Self-esteem. Feeling valued at home makes them less vulnerable.
- Assertiveness. Practise how to say “stop, I don't like it” and how to ask for help.
- Friendships. Having at least one good friend is one of the best protections.
- Trust. Let them know that, if they tell us, we will not react in a way that makes things worse.
So that they do not bully or go along with it
- Empathy. Talk about how other people feel.
- Zero tolerance of mockery at home, including between siblings and in our own comments.
- Explain the role of bystanders. Not laughing, standing by the child who is being targeted and telling an adult stops many situations.
- Tell the difference between telling tales and telling. Telling is helping someone who is having a hard time.
With the school
Find out about the school's coexistence plan and keep in touch with the class teacher.
If you suspect it is already happening, the post on how to detect it lists the signs to watch for.