Instead, suggest that he or she try walking away to avoid the bully, or that they seek help from a teacher, coach, or other adult. Help your child practice being assertive. The simple act of insisting that the bully leave him alone may have a surprising effect. Explain to your child that the bully's true goal is to get a response. Encourage your child to be with friends when traveling back and forth from school, during shopping trips, or on other outings.
Bullies are less likely to pick on a child in a group.
If your child becomes withdrawn, depressed or reluctant to go to school, or if you see a decline in school performance, additional consultation or intervention may be required. A child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health professional can help your child and family and the school develop a strategy to deal with the bullying. Seeking professional assistance earlier can lessen the risk of lasting emotional consequences for your child. Helping Teenagers with Stress . Facts sheets may be reproduced for personal or educational use without written permission, but cannot be included in material presented for sale.