Steps To Stop Pre-Teens Being Victimised
Apart from love and support, how can you help a pre-teen who's being
picked on at school?
At
this age, depending on the severity of the situation, your child may be
able to defuse the problem herself.
Problem-solving
with your child
Find out how, when and where the bullying occurs. Discuss possible strategies.
Would staying close to friends or teachers in the playground be helpful?
Could she walk home in a group? If so-called 'friends' are the culprits,
might she be better off without them? Even if it doesn't produce a solution,
brainstorming like this can give a much clearer picture of the problems
your child is facing.
Involve
the school
Tell your daughter directly confronting the bully is not a safe option.
If other measures have failed, you need to involve someone else. Ask for
suggestions as to the best person to approach. The head? A sympathetic
teacher? Take written notes to the school meeting about specific problems
and incidents. Ask the school to keep your child's name confidential,
if possible.
Don't let the school brush you off!
Give the school a chance to come up with
solutions but make it clear that action has to be taken - and quickly.
Clarify that, if need be, you'll get a doctor's note to keep your daughter
out of school until the matter has been resolved.
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