Online Bully Prevention Tip
When Should Parents Call the School?
Many parents struggle with the decision of getting involved in their children’s bullying or teasing problem at school. Why? Well their children are probably begging them not to out of fear of further embarrassment ("Your mommy had to call the school"), and many parents are uncertain when their children should start to handle such things on their own. Some may even be concerned that if they notify the school, the bullying and teasing may get worse if it is not handled correctly. What to do? Here are some guidelines:
Physical Harm or Threat: Get Involved!
Continued Public Embarrassment: Get Involved!
The general rule of thumb is: If a child has been physically hurt or continues to be subjected to the threat of physical harm – "If you don’t give me your homework I’ll beat you up" - it is time for parent involvement; OR, if a child continues to be subjected to public humiliation/embarrassment at the hands of a school peer or several school peers are ganging up to tease the child, it is time for parent involvement.
It is usually best to encourage a child to deal the situation on his or her own when being teased by only one peer and the teasing does not involve being publicly embarrassed by this one peer. However, if one peer is subjecting a child to physical harm (or threat of physical harm), parents must get involved.
Still confused? Always remember this Bullystoppers.com saying when you don’t know what to do:
WHEN IN DOUBT - CHECK IT OUT!
We owe it to our children to insure their physical and emotional safety at all times, especially at school. During times of doubt, place a call to your child’s counselor and insure his/her confidence. Tell the counselor of your concerns and ask him/her to check into the situation without your child knowing you called. Asked the counselor to give you a call back with his/her feedback. You will be glad you made this call!
Copyright 2002 by Tom Letson. All rights reserved.
