Don't Sit Quiet If Your Child Is A Bully, Here's What You Can Do A Parent

We all have read and even watched cases of kids, teens or even adults being bullied in films or witnessed a scene in real life. While it may just look like a bunch of mean kids trying to pull pranks or ''being kids,'' bullying is a highly serious issue with negative consequences, if not handled at the right time. There are various types of bullying, emotional, physical or even cyberbullying, which can take a huge toll on a person's mind, plunging them into severe stress, anxiety or depression.

While confronting your bully or helping your child by dealing with them is difficult, it becomes equally challenging when you come to know that your child is the cause of someone's misery. Accepting the fact that your child is a bully might be a bit hard to chew but as parents, you can't do anything but confront and guide them on the right track. Here's how you can do so according to Dr Susan Swearer, a psychology professor and advocate of prevention of bullying and intervention.

Dr Swearer believes children who often bully other kids exhibit certain patterns such as channelling aggression they see in others, witnessing cases of abuse at home, anger management issues, lack of empathy, unable to fit in with others and a sense of insecurity among others.

Once you come to know about your child's actions, it is important to have a conversation with him/her as soon as possible. Delaying the talk or allowing it to continue will do you more harm than good. Recognise the signs displayed by your child and attempt to let them know where their mistake lies. Know why it is important to live in harmony with other students, empathise and be social towards them.

Go to your child's school and have a conversation with your child's teacher and principal. Tell them what happened and inquire about their anti-bullying policy and measures the school takes against bullies. Have someone monitor your child at school and be on the lookout if such incidents occur again.

If your child continues to act like a bully even after an intervention, take them to a mental health counsellor for professional advice. Pay attention to how you can help your child come out of the pit and take appropriate measures to eliminate the signs for the betterment of their own as well as for everyone else.

Bullying is a serious and sensitive issue which can negatively hamper a person's physical, emotional and mental well-being. By taking note of the expert's advice, you can help your child stop inflicting harm on others and turn into a new leaf for good.