Empowering Parents: How to Actively Combat Bullying at Home

By: Hedayat Oladunni | Seasonal PR Intern | Digital4Good

Bullying is a global issue manifesting in various degrees of severity and intensity. Although it is prevalent among school-aged youth, it often remains unreported, making it difficult for parents and caregivers to properly address the issue. As a result, victims of bullying do not receive the necessary help they need. 

In this article, we address practical strategies adults can take to encourage open communication, build trust, and create a safe environment for youths targeted by bullying.

The Science of Bullying

Bullying can occur in many forms, from physical bullying to cyberbullying. Regardless of the method, the emotional and psychological damage caused by bullying—especially on children and teens—cannot be overlooked.

Emotional sensitivity is heightened during childhood and adolescence, making children and teens more susceptible to the emotional impacts of bullying. This period of development is marked by significant hormonal fluctuations and changes in the brain, specifically in areas related to emotional regulation, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. According to Jay Giedd, a neuroscientist at the National Institute of Mental Health, the prefrontal cortex, which helps with decision making and emotional control, remains in the process of maturing throughout adolescence. 

Furthermore, a study published by the International Journal of Bullying Prevention shows that bullying can trigger long-term psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These effects can extend well into adulthood, influencing both mental health and social relationships. As such, it is imperative that victims of bullying receive proper care and support early on.

Challenges Faced by Parents

One of the biggest obstacles to addressing bullying is a lack of open communication. Children may feel reluctant or ashamed to discuss their situation because they view it as “snitching” or a sign of weakness. They may fear judgment from their peers or even from adults. The communication gap widens when children believe that telling their parents will lead to overreaction or unwanted intervention that could potentially worsen the existing situation. 

Problems also arise when parents are not prepared to approach the issue with the sensitivity it merits. They may struggle to offer proper emotional support, reacting with anger and frustration or minimizing the situation and dismissing it as a normal part of growing up. Doing so can invalidate the child's feelings and discourage them from seeking further help.

Additionally, parents may not fully understand the complexities of bullying in the digital age. With the rise of social media platforms, cyberbullying has become more commonplace among today’s generation; however, parents who did not grow up with social media may be unfamiliar with how to set safe, effective boundaries for their children’s device usage.

Overcoming Bullying

Nurturing your child’s self-esteem, setting effective digital boundaries, fostering open communication, and teaching resilience are all effective ways to help safeguard your child from the harmful effects of bullying. 

1. Build Your Child's Confidence: Praise your child’s accomplishments and progress toward their goals, encourage independent decision-making, and model self-confidence. Doing so consistently will help your child build independence and develop resilience against external criticism.
2. Promote Digital Safety and Wellness: Delaying phone use until age 13 and setting clear digital boundaries can protect children from online bullying. Parental controls and open discussions about safe Internet use are also essential.
3. Encourage Open Communication: Building a trusting relationship where your child feels safe to report issues early can prevent bullying from escalating. Practice active listening and offer guidance instead of reacting with anger.
4. Create an Open Space for Dialogue: Ensure your child feels comfortable expressing themselves honestly by holding non-judgmental conversations, validating their feelings, and modeling vulnerability so they feel supported in difficult situations.

For in-depth guidance on setting digital boundaries and preventing cyberbullying, please consider enrolling in our self-paced video course for parents.