Eight Things Parents Can Do About Bullying At School

Written by Dr. Robert A. Lowenstein MD

Bullying at school has become a major source of anxiety and trauma for many children in school. Going to school on the bus, eating in the lunchroom, or simply walking school hallways has become a time of pain and suffering for  too many of our children. In severe instances, it even has led to children committing suicide.

Here are some tips parents can use to counter this experience:

1. Talk with your child about whether it is happening if they seem sad and afraid of school.
2. Report the bullying to school authorities.
3. Expect and insist that the school staff meet alone with your child to find out what has happened.
4. Expect that school staff meets with the child or children who have bullied your child to make it clear that bullying will not be permitted, and that they will face disciplinary action if it continues.
5. If these steps do not work, write your concerns to the school administrator, including specifics of the events in question,  and complain about the situation.
6. Call the police if your child has been physically injured or seriously threatened.
7. If all else fails, involve an attorney to pursue it further.
8. If your child seems depressed, withdrawn, or anxious, have him evaluated by a child mental health professional to determine the need for mental health counseling.

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