How to help a child who is being bullied?

Bullying can be physical and/or verbal and is repeated over a period of time. It can be direct, and often easier to detect (blows, insults, broken equipment, etc.), or indirect and go unnoticed (rumors, exclusion, etc.). In either case, it is important to act as soon as possible.

Learn more without insisting too much

When a child is suspected of being a victim of bullying, it is important to ask questions, without judgment, by letting the child express himself without interrupting him. You can assess the situation with him, trying to find out where he can set the limits and if he has allies to help him.

Above all, it is important not to encourage him to use violence, but always favor dialogue, without hesitating to ask for help from the school administration or the people in charge.

Help him assert himself

By helping your child name and express their emotions and pain, you help them identify what is bothering them and then say things calmly but firmly. In this way, you help him maintain a good self-esteem to assert himself in the face of children who bully him.

You can even show him how to speak without hesitation, hold his head up high, or even stand up straight so he doesn’t get intimidated. By doing this type of role play, you bring him to have a direct position without violence but with the appropriate words.

Do not hesitate to alert

If the problem takes place at school, do not hesitate to alert the teacher and the administration while remaining calm and avoiding trying to resolve the situation on your own. By favoring the presence of a mediator, you are showing a good example to your child.

Finally, if the problem persists, and if you feel that your child is very affected by what is happening to him, do not hesitate to consult a psychologist to help him overcome this episode and find enough self-confidence to no longer let it be.

Find out more: “Tyranono, A prehistory of intimidation”, by Gilles Chouinard and Rogé, Éditions de la Bagnole.