You should not ignore any uneasy feelings you may have about the way your child is behaving towards others.
Facing up to the fact that your child may be bullying others is the first step towards putting things right. Your child is likely to need your help in putting right a situation that may have got out of hand.
Your child needs to know that bullying is wholly unacceptable. Although you should be prepared to listen to their side of an argument and understand why your child has behaved in such a way, you should be clear about the fact that the bullying must stop.
Bullying should not become a set pattern of behaviour. Long term studies of bullies show that they are four times more likely to end up in prison, to abuse their spouses and children and to have difficulty with relationships and holding down jobs.
Your child may be having some difficulties of their own which explain their current behaviour. You need to talk about this and reassure them that they are not necessarily a horrible person. It is their behaviour that must change.
They can change, with your and the school's help. But only if they accept responsibility for their behaviour. They need to consider the feelings of the person who has been bullied and to understand the consequences of their action. Teachers, support staff and counsellors may have the necessary skills to support your child through this period of reflection.
If the school draws the bullying to your attention and asks you to attend a meeting, you may feel angry or upset, just like the parents of the bullied child are feeling.
You should be prepared to listen to what has happened and work alongside teachers to help your child put matters right. Schools will have a number of ideas to help your child change their behaviour and with your support, your child is more likely to make good progress.
Good relationships can be restored when people work together and your child will be rewarded for their improved behaviour.
If you feel in need of further help and support, you might wish to contact some of the agencies through the websites included in the bullying links.
