Page 30 - Silver Lakes June 2024

TODAYS CHILD

Signs your child is being bullied
Children often suffer in silence, and some
parents put their child’s self-isolation or
moodiness down to hormones, teenage
angst or a phase they are going through. It
is essential that you as a parent encourage
open and honest communication with your
child and make this a normal part of the
family dynamic.

If your child is uncharacteristically bad-
tempered, avoids school, avoids discussing
school or shows a dramatic shift in their
academic performance, it is cause for
concern. Physical signs such as cuts or
bruises, unexplained damage, or the loss of
their belongings are also red flags.

What to do when your child is being
bullied
The most important thing you can do is listen
and let your child feel heard. Personalise It’s important that you help your child danger. Help them to navigate social
it by sharing your own experiences if you articulate what is happening to them. media in a responsible way and be sure
were bullied as a child, but be careful not How you do this will depend on their age. to take an interest in their online life. This
to undermine their experience by implying Methods include getting the child to draw can be tough when you have older teens;
that it is normal behaviour that every child and describe their pictures or going for a the solution is to keep a healthy channel
needs to deal with. milkshake and having a good talk. of communication wide open.

Speak to your child’s teacher and seek Look at where your child is thriving and The internet is ruthless – once something
guidance, but don’t confront the bully or consider the subjects or activities that is out there, there is no taking it back.
the bully’s parents. It is natural for parents interest them. If they have a hobby Children need to realise this, and they
to be defensive and protect their children, they’re passionate about or if they are should never say or post anything online
but this will not fix anything. involved in a favourite sport, help them that they wouldn’t share in person.
use this as a channel for positivity and
You must also seek the necessary affirmation. If your child is being taunted or bullied
support for your child and yourself to online – be it by someone they know or
equip them with the tools they need to Equip your child with knowledge about a stranger – understand that they need
handle the situation. Counselling is highly the dangers of the online world – it’s to feel safe in order to speak up about
recommended. similar to warning them about stranger it. This means that you as a parent need
to be open-minded. Never retaliate by
belittling the child’s enjoyment of online
gaming or social media. It is part of their
world, and they must learn to navigate it
safely.

If you suspect or discover that your
child is bullying another child, it is just
as important to seek expert help and
support. It’s about getting to the root of
the problem so that it doesn’t become a
long-term issue. Also, it’s important for
you to assure your child that you love
them unconditionally and to guide them
on how to go about setting matters right
with the people they’ve bullied.

28 | INTRAMUROS JUNE 2024