What is bullying?

Finding out that your child is being bullied is a stressful and distressing experience. It's natural for a parent to feel anger, confusion and guilt.

Some children are good at hiding their feelings and the first you may know of the problem is when your child suddenly doesn't want to go to school, or says they are ill when PE lessons are on the agenda.

Bullying behaviour includes:

• Name calling
• Physical violence
• Threats
• Isolating individuals from group activities

What should I do if my child is being bullied?

• Listen to your child
• Stay calm
• State that it is not their fault
• Find out whether the bullying is happening in school or outside in the community
• Find out the facts
• Problem solve what the child can do
• If the bullying occurred in school encourage the child to tell the teacher and If the situation is serious contact the school yourself
• If bullying occurs outside school, the police could be informed