When Your Child Is Being Bullied at School: A Parent’s Guide

Bullying is one of the toughest challenges parents and children face. Whether it comes from peers or, in rarer cases, authority figures, addressing it requires calm strategy, consistent action, and evidence-based tools.

If It’s a Student Bullying
Parents should begin with documentation. Note the dates, places, people involved, and, where possible, collect screenshots or photos. This record gives credibility to any report. From there, escalate in writing to the school administration as per policy. Alongside official channels, coach your child in personal safety: buddy systems, adjusted routes, and simple assertive scripts can give them confidence.

If It’s a Teacher or Staff Member
This scenario demands a formal approach. Request a meeting with the principal, bring documentation, and cite school or district policies. Many systems, including those in the UK and U.S., have clear grievance pathways. Day one of school find out what those pathways are for your school. Ask for  guidance on next steps if escalation is needed.

If Your Child Is the Bully
It’s painful, but critical, to intervene early. Consistent, non-punitive correction works best: set boundaries, require apologies or restitution, and monitor online behavior. Collaboration with the school on social-emotional learning or counseling may be necessary. Parents should model empathy and accountability. You do not always know the kind of person your child actually is, when you are not around.

Programs That Work
Global studies show real impact from structured interventions. Finland’s KiVa program has reduced bullying and victimization across grade levels. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) is another model, consistently lowering rates of bullying and antisocial behavior. In the Caribbean, PTAs and parent groups can adapt such frameworks through toolkits like the UK Anti-Bullying Alliance or the U.S. National PTA’s Connect for Respect initiative.

Getting It on the Agenda
Parents can push for action at the PTA level. A 30-minute session can be enough to review prevention programs, update school policy, and establish clear reporting channels. When anti-bullying becomes a community effort, the results can transform not just individual classrooms, but the entire school climate.

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