Top 5 Bullyproofing Tips from David Coleman
- Take time to talk to your child every day about all aspects of home, school and social life. This shows them that you are interested and willing to be involved if they are having trouble.
- Keep engaged with your child’s school and extra curricular activities, through things like Parents’ Associations, Boards of Management or Club Committees so you can ensure they keep the organisations safer with active anti-bullying programmes on their agenda.
- Teach your child how to be assertive, making good eye contact, standing upright and speaking clearly, letting them know it is okay to say “stop” and make a fuss if they are being teased or taunted.
- Use every opportunity to build your child’s self-esteem, focusing on their strengths and the positive things about them. Let them know they are loved.
- Encourage your child to speak up every time they witness or experience bullying. If every bystander felt empowered to intervene and speak up then bullying couldn’t happen.
Check out the following web link for more information: http://www.rte.ie/tv/bullyproof/resources.html