Resources for Families

Ten Actions ALL Parents Can Take to Help End Bullying

  1. Be a good example of kindness and leadership.

  2. Talk with and listen to your kids - everyday.

  3. Catch your kids being good- reinforce positive behaviors.

  4. Build on their strengths, develop positive self-esteem in your kids.

  5. Learn the warning signs of bullying.

  6. Use consequences that teach, promote empathy, and improve people skills.

  7. Encourage kids to report- teach the difference between tattling and telling.

  8. Create opportunities for your child to develop friendships.

  9. Give your child safe words and actions to use against bullies.

  10. Be your child's advocate, network with the adults in her/his life.

Cyberbullying: Learn About the Facts, Signs, and How to Start a Conversation With Your Child
<Additional resources.>

What NOT to do if your child is bullied

If a child tells you s/he is being bullied:

  1. Do NOT tell them to stand up to the bullying.

    • It's not the child's fault, nor their responsibility to stop bullying.

    • Instead, try to teach them to be assertive (not aggressive).

    • Encourage her/him to seek out positive, healthy friendships.

    • Discuss the issue with the teacher, coach or others who can monitor the situation,

    • And encourage peer groups to intervene when bullying happens.

  2. Do NOT tell them to ignore it.

    • It is a serious situation, and most likely avoidance hasn't or won't work.

    • Listen and bolster their sense of self-worth, support their strengths,

    • And guide them to focus on the positive aspects and people in their lives.

  3. Do NOT try to fix it for them.

    • Keep the trust and confidence of the child who comes to you - they came for advice.

    • DO tell other adults who can help, but

    • Confronting the offender or her/his parents will probably not be effective.

    • Listen and brainstorm possible solutions with the child-

    • Empower them in the response.      

(For more information, go to: website and scroll down to get age-specific tips.)

Parents' Guides to Online Apps

The "Grown Folks" Guide to Popular Apps in Social Media (pdf file)