How to support your child if they’re being bullied at school or OSHC

Bullying can have devastating effects to your child’s overall wellbeing, development, confidence and self-esteem, so knowing the correct ways to support them through this so they not only resolve the situation but come out more resilient than before is important.

How do I know that my child is being bullied?
Every child’s reaction to bullying can differ and some children may not show signs at all.

Some common signs that your child may be experiencing bullying are:
• Change in mood or behaviour
• Physical signs such as cuts or bruising
• Resistance to going to school or discussing topics
• Missing or damaged belongings
• Change in routine or sleeping patterns.

How can I support them?
Even though bullying can have a devastating impact, it’s an opportunity for your child to learn how to manage difficult situations with others.

Learning how to be respectful even though someone is treating you poorly is one of the most fundamental lessons when growing up, so take this opportunity to teach your child the skills they need to manage situations like this in the future.

Here’s how you can best support them:
• Acknowledge and empathise with what they’re going through
• Commend them for talking to you about it
• Reassure them of your support, that they’re not alone and it’s not their fault
• Encourage them to act unaffected, talk to their teacher and act confidently (even if they might not feel that way).

How can my school and OSHC program help?
Even though your child might express to you that they don’t want the teachers at their school to know, it’s important to still bring them in on what’s going on so they can keep an eye out for you.

Organise a time to speak to your child’s teachers outside of school hours or even over the phone so other children can’t overhear or anticipate that you’re speaking to them about your child’s situation.

Their teacher doesn’t have to get involved if your child prefers to not have adult involvement, but still having someone there to supervise the situation and intervene if things become more serious can make a difference.