Page 16 - Cornwall Issue 4 2024

TODAY'S CHILD

Sometimes the victim is forced to move to depend on their age. Methods include getting the
a different school to escape the constant child to draw and describe their pictures or going
humiliation. for a milkshake and having a good talk.
SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED Look at where your child is thriving and consider
Children often suffer in silence, and some the subjects or activities that interest them. If they
parents put their child’s self-isolation or have a hobby they’re passionate about or if they
moodiness down to hormones, teenage angst are involved in a favourite sport, help them use
or a phase they are going through. It is essential this as a channel for positivity and affirmation.
that you, as a parent, encourage open and
honest communication with your child and make Equip your child with knowledge about the
this a normal part of the family dynamic. dangers of the online world – it’s similar to
warning them about stranger danger. Help them
If your child is uncharacteristically bad-tempered, to navigate social media in a responsible way
avoids school, avoids discussing school or shows and be sure to take an interest in their online life.
a dramatic shift in academic performance, it is This can be tough when you have older teens;
cause for concern. Physical signs such as cuts or the solution is to keep a healthy channel of
bruises, unexplained damage or the loss of their communication wide open.
belongings, are also red flags.
The internet is ruthless – once something is
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD IS BE- out there, there is no taking it back. Children
ING BULLIED need to realise this, and they should never
The most important thing you can do is listen say or post anything online that they wouldn’t
and let your child feel heard. Personalise it by share in person. If your child is being taunted or
sharing your own experiences if you were bullied bullied online – be it by someone they know or a
as a child, but be careful not to undermine their stranger – understand that they need to feel safe
experience by implying that it is normal behaviour in order to speak up about it. This means that
that every child needs to deal with. you, as a parent, need to be open-minded. Never
retaliate by belittling the child’s enjoyment of
Speak to your child’s teacher and seek guidance, online gaming or social media. It is part of their
but don’t confront the bully or the bully’s parents. world, and they must learn to navigate it safely.
It is natural for parents to be defensive and
protect their children, but this will not fix anything. If you suspect or discover that your child is
bullying another child, it is just as important to
You must also seek the necessary support for seek expert help and support. It’s about getting
your child (and yourself) so as to equip them to the root of the problem so that it doesn’t
with the tools they need to handle the situation. become a long-term issue. Also, it’s important
Counselling is highly recommended. for you to assure your child that you love them
unconditionally and to guide them on how to
It’s important that you help your child articulate go about setting matters right with the people
what is happening to them. How you do this will they’ve bullied.

14 Cornwall View • Issue 4 2024