Your child may be a victim of bullying if he/she:
– Doesn’t want to go to school or participate in extra-curricular activities.
– Appears overly anxious, fearful, unhappy or irritable.
– Exhibits low self-esteem and makes negative comments about him/herself.
– Complains of headaches and stomach aches.
– Has lower interest and performance in school.
– Is missing belongings, needs money, reports being hungry after school.
– Has injuries, bruising, damaged clothing and belongings.
– Has trouble sleeping.
– Expresses threats to hurt himself/herself or others.
What you can do if your child is being bullied:
– Listen and be supportive – take bullying seriously!
– Reassure your child that it isn’t his/her fault and that they don’t have to face the situation alone.
– Ask how they’ve been dealing with the bullying and talk about what actions you can both take to solve the problem.
– Discourage your child from retaliating.
– Promise to consult your child before taking any action but don’t promise to keep it a secret. It’s difficult to address bullying anonymously.
– Arrange to meet your child if the bullying is happening on the way to/from school.
– Help your child develop a list of trusted adults they can phone or go to for help.
– Contact your child’s school. Visit www.hrsb.ns.ca for more information on how Halifax Regional School Board is working to make HRM schools safer.
– Contact the Halifax Regional Police Bullying Hotline – Phone: 490-7283, Text: 233-SAVE or e-mail: bullyhotline@halifax.ca.
Advice for children who are being bullied:
– Ignore the person who is bullying you.
– If someone starts engaging in bullying behaviour, ask them to stop and walk away if the behaviour continues.
– Don’t retaliate or try to get revenge. Becoming a bully yourself is not the solution.
– Report bullying to a trusted adult.
– Talk to family members, friends and trusted adults about the situation so you don’t feel alone.
Visit www.halifax.ca/Police/Programs/bullying, www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/youth-jeune/bully and www.bullyingawarenessweek.org for more information on bullying.
Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/national-bullying-awareness-week-2011