Children
<p><b>Help your child deal with bullies</b></p>
<p>Playful teasing amongst kids can be light-hearted, fun, and positive but teasing about certain subject matters can make them uncomfortable, causing anxiety, low self-esteem and even depression.</p>
<p>When teasing becomes hurtful, violent, unkind, and repetitive, it crosses into bullying. Bullying is when a child or a group of children abuse their power to hurt others. This can involve violent threats, property damage, or injuries.</p>
<p>Watch for these signs if you suspect your child is a victim of bullying:</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Low self-esteem.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Social isolation.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Pretending to be sick to avoid going to school.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Unexplained bruises and injuries.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Not eating, sleeping well, or participating in activities they usually enjoy.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Being moodier or more easily upset than usual.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Being upset after using the Internet or cellphone.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Being very secretive about online activities.</p>
<p>If you identify these signs, it's important to talk to and listen to your child. Chances are they'll be reluctant to open up, so find ways to bring up the issue. If there's a scenario on TV, ask what they think of it, and gently suggest possible solutions.</p>
<p>This can help start the conversation and lead to questions like: "Have you ever seen this happen?" or "Have you ever experienced this?" It might help to talk about your own experiences at that age, to help make them feel that they're not at fault for what is happening.</p>
<p><b>Create a safe space</b></p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Assure your child that if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable or treats them unfairly, it's not acceptable, and they should not tolerate it.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Tell them it's not their fault that this is happening and that you're available to help and will be reaching out to their school.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Avoid negative comments like "You need to stand up for yourself" or "You poor thing, you can stay home".</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Help your child learn how to make smart choices and act when he feels hurt or see another child being bullied.</p>
<p><b>Work with your child's teacher</b></p>
<p>If your child is reluctant to report the bullying, go with him to talk to a teacher or principal. Learn about the school's policy on bullying, keep records, and stay on top of the situation by following up with the school.</p>
<p>If necessary, get help from a family therapist on how you can deal with and stop the bullying.</p>
<p><b>Cyberbullying</b></p>
<p>If your child has a cellphone, they may be at risk of being cyberbullied. This type of bullying happens through social media, SMSs, or emails. Support your child and guide with these guidelines:</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Don't respond. The bully usually wants a reaction.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Don't retaliate. If you respond with similar threats, this reinforces the bully's behaviour.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Take screenshots. The bully may delete messages and deny events. Save evidence to help prove your case.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Block the bully.</p>
<p><b>Get help</b></p>
<p>If cyberbullying involves children in your child's school, inform the school, and provide any evidence that you have.</p>
<p>Most social media platforms have an option to report or flag cyberbullying and other harmful behaviour or content. If someone is threatening to harm your child or encourages them to harm themselves, go to the police, this is a matter of urgency.</p>
