Using words to make someone feel upset, anxious or embarrassed.

The use of physical force or threats to gain control over someone. This includes hitting, kicking and pushing.

This is a more manipulative form of bullying where rumours may be spread about a person, tricks being played on them at their expense or intentionally leaving them out.

The use of phones or social media channels to bully a person, for example intimidating or threatening messages.

Your child may not be open and truthful in their first discussion about bullying. They may think talking about it with you or teachers at school will make the situation worse. Encourage your child to open up about their concerns, even if it takes a couple of times.

Find out as much of the information as you can before taking any action. The more you know, the smoother the next conversations will be, including with others involved.

Keep communication channels open and transparent with teachers or coaches. Most adults want children to enjoy their time while in their care and will work to find a solution.

If bullying is happening in your child’s school, have an discussion with your child’s teacher or Principal. Schools implement anti-bullying policies to protect children while learning. Usually there is systems in place to action cases of bullying.

While you are open to conversation with your child’s school, leave any disciplinary action to the school themself.

Encourage your child to firmly and confidently say no when they are not comfortable. Practice some strategies at home like giving quick responses to a bully. Do not engage in fighting, bullying back or ignoring it completely.

If you need further support, reach out to the school counsellor or healthcare professional to help deal with any negative consequences of bullying.

Overcoming bullying can be a tough time for children and their families. Remind your child you are always there to support them, one person's behaviour doesn’t define your child’s character, and you can work through anything together.

• acknowledge the situation
• take time to process the information you are given (from whoever it may be)
• manage your reactions in the moment.

• have an open, non-judgmental discussion with your child about their understanding of events. Your child may get defensive or not want to be in trouble
• understand if this is a pattern of bullying with a specific child or group
• let your child know that bullying is not acceptable and that it must stop due to potential consequences to them and others.

Ask for more context, for example if your child is facing any difficulties in their schooling, social isolation or being bullied themselves.

Discuss other ways of expressing their feelings, their responsibilities with personal boundaries and emotion regulation. These can be difficult conversations, but your child will develop and grow as a result.

Some children may be constantly active and looking for things to do at school or at home. Find activities where your child can express their movement or creativity in a positive way, for example:

• walking the dog after school
• getting equipment ready for sports or academic classes.

Your child will continue to learn how to express their emotions positively as they get older. The more you foster this, show interest and concern, the more likely they will display positive social behaviour.