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Support > Positive Parenting
> Parent Tip of the Week
Parent Tip of the Week: How to Prevent Bullying
Bullying is a serious problem that needs to be addressed – not only for the victims, but
also for the bullies themselves. Read on and find out how you can help your child
improve his or her behavior, if you suspect that he or she is a bully.
Kids bully for various reasons, including:
- Wanting to feel in control of others
- Jealousy of others
- Trying to get what they want from others
- Having seen their friends do it to others
- Having been victims of bullying in the past
- Not knowing how to manage their anger
- Not knowing effective ways of communicating with others
- Low self-respect and self-esteem
- Acting out things that they see on TV
- Being used to violence in their family and not knowing how to act any differently
As a parent, you should help by…
- Building awareness about bullying within your family and letting your child know
that is not an acceptable behavior.
- Dealing with such behavior, even if your child denies it.
- Showing that you are concerned and that you regard bullying as a very serious
issue. Offer your help or find the help of a professional.
- Not judging your child. Learn how to talk about issues in the best light possible,
without negative connotations.
- Teaching your children to talk about his or her feelings. Let him or her know how
important it is for people to open up – especially about things that upset them the
most.
- Creating a non-aggressive, nonviolent atmosphere in your home in order to set a
good example.
Have a tip you want to share? E-mail Frances Platt at
PlattF@mhawestchester.org
with your Parent Tip of the Week!
This material has been adapted by MHA from materials of the ACT (Adults and Children Together Against
Violence) program developed by the American Psychological Association (APA), a scientific and
professional organization that represents psychology in the United States.
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