All types of kids are bullied. Bullying even affects those kids that are smart, funny, popular, and seem to have everything going for them. If your child is being bullied, it's important to build up their self esteem when they are away from school. Remind them not to let a bully make them feel like they are different in a bad way. They deserve respect, and nobody has the right to treat them badly. Encourage them to get involved in activities outside of school such as music, art, or intramural sports teams where they will be consistently and positively reinforcement.

Always encourage your son to talk to trusted adults around him about what he's going through. This could be a parent, aunt, uncle, or even school counselor. Explain to him that if he shoves his feelings deep down, much like a pressure cooker, they will eventually boil over and he's more likely to say or do something that will get him in trouble, not the bully.  It's easy for kids to get to "the breaking point" when they are bullied and that's when parents need to put the encouragement into overdrive.  Keep telling your son his positive qualities and encourage other adults and kids to do the same.  It's great that the school is getting involved.  They are responsible for the educational environment they are providing your son.

We encourage parents and especially kids/teens to call our 24/7 hotline to talk to someone if bullying is affecting their life. Bullying over a long period of time can cause damage to a youth's self-esteem that can be hard to reverse. Please feel free to call us at 1-800-448-3000 anytime.

Boys Town National Hotline
1-800-448-3000