Parent Wellbeing
What to Do If Your Teenager Is Being Bullied
Bullying is a distressing experience for any teenager, and as a parent, it's natural to feel concerned and eager to support your child through this challenging time. Here are some expanded insights and strategies to help you navigate this situation effectively:
1. Validate Their Feelings: When your teenager confides in you about being bullied, it's crucial to validate their feelings and reassure them that they are not alone. Let them know that it's okay to feel upset, angry, or scared, and emphasize that the bullying is not their fault.
2. Foster Open Communication: Encourage regular and open communication with your teenager about their experiences. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Actively listen to their concerns and validate their experiences.
3. Collaborate on an Action Plan: Work together with your teenager to develop a proactive action plan for addressing the bullying. Identify trusted adults, such as teachers, the Wellbeing team, or family members, who can provide support and guidance. Discuss strategies for responding to bullying incidents and empower your teenager to assertively advocate for themselves.
4. Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about bullying, including its different forms, prevalence, and impact on teenagers. Familiarize yourself with your child's school's anti-bullying policies and procedures, and ensure that they are being enforced effectively.
5. Address Cyberbullying: In today's digital age, cyberbullying has become a prevalent issue affecting teenagers. Educate yourself and your teenager about the dangers of cyberbullying and the steps they can take to protect themselves online. Familiarize yourself with social media platforms' policies on reporting and blocking abusive behaviour.
6. Advocate for Change: If you believe that your child's school is not adequately addressing the bullying, don't hesitate to advocate for change.
7. Seek Professional Support: If your teenager is experiencing significant distress or mental health issues as a result of bullying, consider seeking professional support from a therapist. Therapy can provide a safe and confidential space for your teenager to process their emotions and develop coping strategies.
8. Foster Resilience: Encourage resilience-building activities and hobbies that boost your teenager's self-esteem and confidence. Engage them in activities where they feel competent and valued, whether it's sports, arts, or community service. Remind them of their strengths and accomplishments to counteract the negative effects of bullying.
9. Monitor Their Well-Being: Keep a close eye on your teenager's well-being and behaviour for signs of distress or changes in mood. Encourage them to seek support from trusted adults if they are struggling to cope with the bullying. Remain vigilant and proactive in addressing any concerns that arise.
10. Lead by Example: As a parent, you play a crucial role in modelling positive behaviour and attitudes for your teenager. Demonstrate empathy, respect, and kindness in your interactions with others, and teach your teenager the importance of standing up against bullying in all its forms.
11. Encourage Positive Friendships: Encourage your teenager to cultivate positive friendships with peers who uplift and support them. Having a strong social support network can help buffer the negative effects of bullying and provide a sense of belonging.
12. Teach Conflict Resolution Skills: Help your teenager develop effective conflict resolution skills, such as assertive communication, problem-solving, and boundary-setting. Role-play different scenarios with them to practice assertive responses to bullying behaviour.
13. Promote Self-Care Practices: Emphasize the importance of self-care practices for managing stress and promoting mental well-being. Encourage your teenager to engage in activities that promote relaxation and self-expression, such as mindfulness, journaling, or creative arts.
14. Monitor Online Activity: Stay informed about your teenager's online activity and monitor their interactions on social media platforms. Set clear boundaries and guidelines for responsible internet use, and encourage them to report any instances of cyberbullying or online harassment.
15. Foster Empathy: Encourage your teenager to cultivate empathy and understanding towards others, including those who may be experiencing bullying themselves. Teach them the value of kindness, compassion, and inclusivity in building a supportive and respectful community.
16. Stay Involved: Stay actively involved in your teenager's school life and extracurricular activities. Attend parent-teacher conferences, school events, and sports games to stay connected with their experiences and relationships at school.
17. Promote a Culture of Acceptance: Advocate for a school culture that promotes acceptance, diversity, and inclusion. Support initiatives and programs that celebrate differences and challenge stereotypes, and encourage your teenager to be an ally to marginalized peers.
18. Monitor for Signs of Bullying Behaviour: Be vigilant for signs that your teenager may be engaging in bullying behaviour themselves. Address any concerning behaviours promptly and teach them about the consequences of their actions on others.
19. Encourage Reporting: Encourage your teenager to report instances of bullying to trusted adults, even if they are not directly involved. Reporting bullying helps create a safer environment for all students and holds perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Remember, supporting a teenager who is being bullied requires patience, understanding, and perseverance. By taking proactive steps to address the issue and providing unwavering support, you can help your child navigate this challenging experience and emerge stronger and more resilient.
Parent Support Services
Parentline: 13 22 89
If you would like further ongoing support, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your family General Practitioner (G.P.) where you can discuss the concerns that you may behaving. The G.P. will then be able to make the appropriate referral for ongoing support as required.
Student Wellbeing Team
Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Ashleigh Bibby - Leader of Wellbeing
Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Coordinator
Talea-Jane Simpson – School Counsellor
Lea Marrison - Mental Health Practitioner
Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner