Back-to-School After Bullying: Tips for Parents to Support Their Children
For many children, a new school year brings excitement. But for the 1 in 5 children who’ve been bullied, it can also stir up fear and anxiety. Stories from parents reveal just how heartbreaking bullying can be, name-calling, exclusion, and harassment that leave lasting emotional scars.
The good news? With the right support, children can rebuild confidence and step into a new school year with hope.
5 Ways to Support Your Child after Bullying
1. Create a safe space to talk.
Rebuilding trust starts at home. Check in with your child regularly, ask open-ended questions about school, and listen closely. A safe space to share helps children feel less alone in their struggles.
2. Prepare your child emotionally.
Validate their feelings instead of brushing them aside. Say things like: “It makes sense you’re nervous about going back” rather than “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.” This shows children that their emotions are normal and respected.
3. Reaffirm your child’s worth.
Bullying can chip away at self-esteem. Remind your child that their kindness, courage, and uniqueness matter. Praise their efforts and strengths so they know their value isn’t defined by others’ words.
4. Model resilience.
Show your child healthy coping strategies by sharing your own age-appropriate challenges and how you overcame them. Role-play school scenarios so they feel ready to respond if teasing or exclusion happens again.
5. Involve the school early
Don’t wait for problems to grow. Meet with teachers and principals before the year begins to create a safety plan. A strong partnership between home and school is one of the best ways to protect children from repeated harm.
Conclusion
A new school year is a chance for healing and fresh beginnings. With patience, encouragement, and proactive support, children can walk into the classroom with renewed confidence and purpose.
