What parents can do to prevent bullying

Bullying affects children from all walks of life. Whether the student is on the receiving end of bullying or is the aggressor, parents and other adults will sometimes need to step in to provide assistance. Although there is no magic formula to preventing bullying, parents can do their part to put a stop to such behaviors.

• Parent authoritatively: According to developmental psychologist Diana Divecha, contributor to Greater Good magazine, an authoritative style of parenting offers high levels of warmth, love and closeness, while at the same time providing clear limits and high expectations. Children who are raised with this type of parenting often fare the best with better mental health and stronger relationship skills. Children who are parented harshly may be more likely to become bullies or be bullied themselves.

• Be knowledgeable and observant: Parents, teachers and administrators should keep their eyes peeled for bullying behaviors and reactions. Various signs indicate bullying is taking place, and these include being introverted, commonly reporting illness, withdrawing from daily activities, or having trouble sleeping.

• Nurture a positive household climate: Parents and other family members can work together at home to create an organized and predictable environment. Parents should model the type of behavior they want their children to express.

• Teach children coping skills: Practice scenarios at home where a child learns how to ignore a bully or develop assertive strategies for coping with bullying. Share who children can go to for help, apart from you, such as teachers or administrators, if they’re worried about being bullied.

• Set technology boundaries: Bullying can take place on social media, and by monitoring online activity, parents may be able to head off potential bullying problems. Document online bullying so it can be addressed with administrators or law enforcement.