Dealing with Bullying A Guide for Parents Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print CS-Blog Cedars-Sinai Blog Dealing with Bullying A Guide for Parents May 27, 2019 Cedars-Sinai Staff Share Tweet Post Bullying is a behavior that seeks to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable. It can include actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. Bullying is more than a buzzword. It's a serious, growing problem in schools across the country. According to one report, as many as 28% of students in the US have experienced bullying at school. What is bullying Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. This behavior is repeated and has potential to become worse over time. It can take place in person or online. Online bullying is known as cyberbullying. Bullying and cyberbullying can include making threats, spreading rumors, physical or verbal attacks, and excluding someone from a group intentionally. Bullying also includes bystander bullying, which is people watching and doing nothing to stop it. Read: Recognizing and Coping with Teen Depression What should parents look for If parents are concerned their kids are being bullied, they should look for these signs: Change in behavior and mood Anxiety Change in eating, sleeping, or hobbies Irritability Refusal to go to school or avoiding certain situations In the Newsroom: Coping and Healing After Violence Invades A Community What can parents do Talking to your kids about bullying is an important first step. Discussing and defining bullying with your kids can help them understand the behavior when they see it. "The more students understand bullying and how it affects themselves and others, the more they will be able to deal with it," says Suzanne Silverstein, founding director of the Cedars-Sinai Share & Care program. The most important role for parents is to create a trusting environment where children feel safe expressing themselves and telling parents if they are bullied or observe bullying. Encouraging open conversations can help your child to feel comfortable talking to you about their feelings. Casual conversation at dinner or during school drop-off/pickup is a perfect time to check in with your kids and talk about what's going on in their lives. It's also helpful to create a plan for how to deal with bullying when they encounter it or see it. Read: Art Therapy Helps Children Cope with Trauma Learning how to respond to bullying You can teach your kids to respond in the following ways: Look at the bully and firmly tell them to stop in a calm, clear voice If in danger, walk away immediately and find an adult Talk to a trusted adult Speak up and don't be a silent witness to bullying Parents can use these tactics to help combat bullying: Get involved in the school community by talking to parents, staff, and administrators to find out how you can help create a bully-free environment at school Foster self-esteem in your child Listen to your child and encourage open dialogue Offer positive reinforcement and praise for positive behavior Share and Care is just one of the ways Cedars-Sinai is working toward a healthier Los Angeles. Learn more about our community benefit programs. Tags Pediatrics Share and Care Expert Advice Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Trauma Children's Health Share Tweet Post Popular Categories Health + Wellness Science + Innovation Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Popular Topics In Our Community Faces of Cedars-Sinai Patient Stories Los Angeles Behind the Scenes Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Schedule a Callback Call us 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 Support Cedars-Sinai Make a Gift Volunteer Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility